Team Fiji

The team is:
Goalkeeper: Faith Kasiray  
Defenders: Margaret Joseph   Lucy Maino, Olivia Upaupa, Lavina Hola 
Midfield: Rayleen Bauelua, Rumona Morris, Ramona Padio  
Forwards: Marie Kaipu, Meagan Gunemba, Charlie Yanding 

Assistant coach Percy Mataio said the coaching has confidence in the team that should give us something to proud of.

Kaiwalu failed to defend his Pacific Games High Jump title as he didn’t clear the bar at 2.02 meters.

He finished second while Waisea Jikoiono was fourth.

Kaiwalu was tied for silver with Papua New Guinea’s John Richard. Tonga’s Mosese Foliaki won gold with a jump of 2.06 meters.

At 15 she stunned Fijians with her speed and flexibility and she quickly became one of the top athletes in the Island nation.

Now at 26, Ana Kaloucava is still racing to get her first ever gold medal in the Pacific Games.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO HAVE A LISTEN TO ANA KALOUCAVA'S EPISODE:

https://player.whooshkaa.com/episode?id=392835 

Hockey will resume today at 1pm after a day of rest yesterday.

In the men’s division, Fiji is leading the pool with four straight wins on 16 points, Vanuatu second with two wins and one loss.

PNG is sitting third with 5 points having played three games, losing two and winning one match.

Solomon Islands is on fourth place with 4 points having won two out of their three matches.

Tonga remains at the bottom of the pool and yet to register a win.

Today the Fijian men are on bye, Vanuatu will play Solomons at 1pm while PNG take on Tonga at 4pm.

Ryan told PACNEWS upon their arrival at Jackson International Airport  Tuesday that Samoa is always a tough team to play against in any 7s tournament.

“ I haven’t seen the team yet  so I don’t know the strength of the side  they brought over  but they will be looking to qualify for Olympics in November, so I’m sure with the new coach as well  they send for this tournament I’m sure they will be a huge threat as well .They always tough to play against.

“I think PNG, Tonga and Samoa this three will make up a prime opposition this week,” Ryan told PACNEWS.

Tuesday’s win was the toughest at the BSP Arena in Taurama as they fought off American Samoa 81-73.

On Monday Fiji defeated Solomon Islands 92-55. The match against American Samoa started with Fiji finding the basket first and led 20-15 at the end of the first quarter.

Valerie Nainima, Mickaelar Whippy and Miliakere Koyamainavure put on a good show and took Fiji to a 38-29 lead at half time.

Fiji lost concentration in the third quarter and allowed American Samoa to bounce back to within four points. It was 58-54 at the end of third quarter.

In their last two appearances at the Pacific Games in 2007 and 2011, Fiji took out bronze.

But coach Charlene Lockington says with the amount of talent and skill her team has, gold is what they will win at the Games.

"We had good build up matches playing in Australia, we're confident but we know not to underestimate any team and that includes PNG.

"PNG are a good side but we have beaten them before and we can do it again,’’ said Lockington.