UWI fluttered from two sets down and two game and match points to ease home 21-25, 25-17, 25-27, 25-16, 17-15, in their defence of the Goddard Enterprises Limited division one volleyball title when the new season was served off at the Wildey Gymnasium. Outstanding play from Desanni Waithe and Kandia Shorey put the Blackbirds under great pressure.

But the superior attack of Dania Hamilton and Shakera Hall dragged the Blackbirds over the line as DVM lost the plot and the game through timid and erratic responses.

A similar performance also denied Club United a chance to upset junior knockout queens Chargers as they faded 25-20, 19-25, 23-25, 25-21, 10-15. Kianna Alleyne had looked good for Club but she lacked the attacking support and was outshone by Chargers’ Dei Padmore, Latifah Wood and Samya Jones.