ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – October 16, 2026
The YMCA Sports Complex played host to two nights of thrilling, momentum-shifting volleyball action this week, as the ongoing ABAVA Business League served up four hotly contested matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Over Wednesday and Thursday, four teams claimed hard-won victories, with three coming from behind to turn early deficits into final wins.
Wednesday, October 14 opened with two dramatic comeback stories. First up, Royalton Antigua faced off against 77 Bus Service, who immediately put pressure on their opponents by taking the opening set 25–23. Unshaken by the slow start, Royalton Antigua bounced back in dominant fashion in the second set, dropping just seven points to level the match with a 25–7 win. The deciding third set went back and forth, with neither side willing to cede ground, before Royalton Antigua pulled out a narrow 15–12 victory to seal a 2–1 match win.
Sandals mirrored that comeback trajectory just after, against the University of the West Indies Five Islands (UWI) team. UWI claimed an early advantage by taking the opening set 25–22, but Sandals found their rhythm in the second frame. A steady stream of strong serves and solid defense earned Sandals a 25–20 second-set win, pushing the match to a decider. Carrying their newfound momentum, Sandals controlled the final set from start to finish, closing out the match 15–8 for a 2–1 overall victory.
Thursday’s match slate brought two very different contests. Nate Burton Photography got off to a fast start against Zamine Shipping and never looked back, securing a straight-sets win without dropping a set. The team took the first frame 25–14 and closed out the match with a 25–15 second-set win, turning in a disciplined performance that prevented Zamine from forcing a deciding third set.
The final match of the week between APUA and Media delivered another tense comeback. Media, backed by sponsors including Lucozade, Dasani Water, Subway, Signpro and Frank B Armstrong, took the first set 25–23 and seemed poised to close out the win. But APUA held firm in a tightly contested second set, edging out a 27–25 win to keep their campaign alive. The side carried that momentum into the decider, taking it 15–11 to complete the 2–1 come-from-behind win.
The nine-team league, which has delivered a steady stream of close finishes and momentum swings across its opening matches, continues to draw engaged crowds and buzz among both players and fans. For those eager to catch more action, the next round of matches is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 at the YMCA Sports Complex. Nate Burton Photography will face UWI at 7:00 PM, followed by a match between ECAB and Sandals at 8:00 PM. Admission is priced at EC$5, with food and beverages available for purchase on site. Organizers have encouraged local sports fans to turn out in force to cheer on their favorite teams.
The league’s core mantra, “WORK HARD. PLAY HARDER.” has been on full display through the first week of competitive play, with every team delivering competitive, high-energy matches for attendees.