The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) overcame newcomer Venguy 3-2, when the Demerara Volleyball Federation (DVF) Senior League competition continued on Tuesday evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.
The army unit came from behind to eventually prevail by a 21-25, 26-23, 24-26, 25-15 and 15-8 score-line. The first two sets set the tone for the contest with the army unit falling behind 21-25, before rallying in the second stanza to equalize 25-23.
However, the competitive nature of the contest intensified in the pivotal third set. Venguy secured an initial lead as they raced to a 7-2 advantage. GDF responded to narrow the gap at 11-8 following a 6-4 run. Venguy replied in equal measure to secure a six point lead at 18-11 following a 7-3 exchange.
A 6-3 blitz by the officers reduced the deficit to 21-17 as GDF attempted to lay the platform for a possible comeback. This almost became a reality as GDF leveled proceedings at 24-24 with a 7-3 charge.
Nonetheless, Venguy, following a timeout interval, recorded two unanswered points to snatch the set. However, the momentum was clearly on the side of GDF in the sea-saw battle, as they stormed to an 8-3 lead in the initial stages of the fourth stanza.
Their early dominance of the set continued, as they built on their lead at 12-4 with a 4-1 run. Venguy attempted a comeback of their own compliments of a 10-7 exchange to reduce the deficit at 19-14.
However, GDF extinguished any hopes of a Venguy comeback, as they equalized the contest at 2-2. The soldiers closed out the set with a dominant 6-1 offensive blitz, setting up a climatic finish in the process.
The fifth and final set exemplified the dominance of GDF, who seized control of the clash at 5-0. This was followed by a 6-3 exchange as GDF further strengthened their position at 12-3.
A 5-1 rally by Venguy provided a glimmer of hope of claiming the set, as the gap was reduced at 13-8. However, GDF deservedly claimed the set following two unanswered points. The event continues at the same venue tomorrow when Eagles match skills with Young Achievers from 19:15hrs.
