A TOUGH semi-final clash against Suva Bluez saw Kinoya lose composure in the Vanua Challenge women's final and eventually losing the title to FBC TV Suva Black last night.
Claire Delai-led Kinoya defeated Suva Bluez by two straight sets after a tough fight at the FMF Gymnasium in Laucala.
Suva coach Iliesa Raketekete masterminded a perfect plan to tire Kinoya players out in the semis to ensure his Suva Black team cruised through in the final.
Anaseini Seniloli-led Suva Black triumphed by three sets (25-15, 25-20, 28-26) to win the Vanua Challenge title and $800 prizemoney.
"Our aim was to get both teams in the final. We tried our best against Kinoya in the semis and unfortunately fell short but not before tiring them to ensure we had the upper hand in the final," Raketekete said.
Kinoya coach Jo Usamate admitted a tough semi-final and not enough time for recovery let the team down.
"We were just given 20 minutes to recover. The players were not fully recovered and we also didn't have any impact players in the final," Usamate said. "But we lost to a better team and our aim now is to prepare hard for the Easter Championship where we are the defending champions."