NEWCOMERS Sharks made a losing debut in the Suva Volleyball Association (SVA) weekly club competition at the LICI Multipurpose courts in Laucala yesterday.
The team from Muanivatu settlement in Vatuwaqa lost all their four matches in the men's competition yesterday.
In their first match, the side lost to Jittu 0-3 before losing to Cakau 1-3, Saints 0-3 and Celtics Two 0-3 in their remaining games.
Despite the disappointing start, SVA technical advisor Iliesa Raketekete said the team had the ability to bounce back in the competition.
He said the Sharks needed some time to acclimatise to their competitive weekly club games.
"This team was brought in by a security officer who works for the Fiji Sports Council. These players must have been playing in their areas but perhaps not in a real competition," Raketekete said.
"And judging the level they are in at the moment, they are good and have potential to become better."
Another new team, Qauia won its first match in the competition after upsetting Celtics Two 3-1.
Raketekete heaped praise for the Lami-based club, adding the win would boost the morale of the players to perform better in the upcoming rounds.
Meanwhile, William & Goslings Marist Blue retained the FBC Challenge Cup after beating Mighty Heights 3-0.
Raketekete said the experience of the Marist Blue team gave them the win.
"Might Heights were really determined and they had some good boys in their team. They almost defeated Marist Blue in the third set."
The women's competition also started yesterday with three teams - Reef, Delta and Eurekas - playing against each other.
Raketekete said the unbearable heat took its toll on the players but was unable to exhaust their spirit in the competition.
Results: Celtics One 3 Mighty Heights 1, Qauia 3 Celtics Two 1, Celtics One 3 Saints 0, 1FBC Challenge: W&G Marist Blue 3 Marist Heights 0, Jittu 3 Sharks 0, Cakau 3 Marist Red 2, Sharks 1 Cakau 3, Saints 3 Sharks 0, Marist Red 3 Qauia 2, Celtics Two 3 Sharks 0, Jittu 3 Celtic Two 0; Womens: Reef 2 Eurekas 1, Delta 2 Reef 0, Eurekas 0 Delta 2.