The Eastern Regional Indoor Sport Arena in Tacarigua witnessed an electrifying commencement of the 2026 Secondary Schools Volleyball League (SSVL) season on January 12, with ASJA Girls’ College San Fernando emerging as early standout performers in the Under-17 category. The team demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience by securing two consecutive victories on the opening day.
In their inaugural match, ASJA dominated St Joseph’s Convent St Joseph with a decisive straight-sets triumph (25-14, 25-21). The team faced a sterner test against defending open category champions Maple Leaf International School, dropping the first set 25-18 before mounting a spectacular comeback to claim the subsequent sets 25-23 and 15-12, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
In another thrilling Under-17 encounter, Maple Leaf International School redeemed themselves against reigning champions International School of Port of Spain (ISPS) in a three-set thriller. After conceding the first set 25-19, Maple Leaf displayed remarkable composure to edge the second set 25-22 before dominating the decisive third set 15-9.
ISPS managed to bounce back with a straight-sets victory (25-16, 25-22) against St Joseph’s Convent, despite facing determined resistance in the second set.
The league, which launched on January 12 and continues through February 8, features competition across Under-15, Under-17, and open age categories for both male and female teams. Defending champions include ISPS (girls’ Under-15), San Juan South Secondary (boys’ Under-17 and open), and Barrackpore West Secondary (boys’ Under-15).
The competition brings together schools from three regional zones: East (featuring El Dorado West Secondary, San Juan South Secondary, and others), North (including Fatima College, ISPS, and Maple Leaf International), and South (comprising ASJA colleges, Naparima schools, and Barrackpore West Secondary).