After eight intense weeks of non-stop volleyball action, the 2025 Indoor Volleyball Tournament wrapped up Wednesday night at the National Sports Arena with two electrifying finals that showcased resilience, teamwork and pure athletic excellence.

The tournament, which drew widespread community interest and strong fan support, concluded with a surprise win in the women’s division and a much-celebrated triumph for the men’s Bounty Spikers team.

The headline of the night — and of the entire tournament — was the improbable and inspiring victory by the Mana Spikers in the women’s division.
Playing both the semifinals and finals with just five players, the Mana Spikers demonstrated unmatched determination, stamina and cohesion.

“No competition is an easy competition, especially when it comes down to the finals. Although we were short of players at this crucial moment, our team showed up for each other and played our hearts out to the fullest,” said Mana Spikers’ Nicolea Mateariki.

“I first began my volleyball journey with Aunty Jackie Rongo and the AKTT Volleyball Team, where I gained confidence, knowledge, and skill. Each week, we make use of the Nikao Hall and TSA Sports Arena to upskill ourselves and take our development to a better level.

“For this eight-week tournament, I’m happy and humbled to take the dub with my Mana Spikers sisters and hope to continue playing this amazing sport in the future.”

Their semifinal match saw them take on the reigning champions, Bounty Spikers, in what was expected to be a one-sided affair. But the Mana squad flipped the script, pulling off a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the competition.

With one player down due to injury and no substitutes available, the Mana Spikers relied heavily on sharp communication, strategic court coverage and sheer willpower to carry them through the final stages.

The final was no less dramatic, as the short-handed squad delivered a masterclass in controlled aggression and smart play, sealing their championship win and leaving fans in awe.

Mana Spikers setter Eclipse Tutere said: “The excuse of being at a disadvantage is what losers say. Champions focus on winning no matter the odds.”

In the men’s competition, the Bounty Spikers capitalised on their momentum throughout the tournament to secure a well-deserved championship title.

The team, made up primarily of Cook Islands athletes with a strong complement of talented Fijian players, blended physical power with precision and excellent court dynamics.

Their path to the title was marked by consistently dominant performances, with standout plays at the net and excellent service games.