Anthony Foster, Gleaner Writer

The University of the West Indies (UWI) women's 'A' team and Vikings men of Westmoreland will start the defence of their national volleyball club league titles today.

In matches scheduled for G.C. Foster College today, Vikings will face UWI 'A' in the men's division at noon, while UWI battle Venus at 2 p.m.

Roy Taylor, women's coach of UWI 'A' team, said they are just as strong as last year.

"I expect another good season from my ladies," he said.

Taylor added that the other teams "should improve in certain aspects of their game, mainly in their defence".

Oral Channer, coach of the Westmoreland-based Vikings, said based on the rally results UWI 'A' is the team to beat.

"They have some new players, which we don't know much about," he explained.

Vikings lost to UWI in the final of the two-day rally two Saturdays ago, but Channer said his players promised things would be different in the league.

In these competitions, the men's teams are divided into two divisions, while the females will play in one group.

All teams will play each team in its division twice, with the top four from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

Today's matches

Men's: JDF vs Venus (D1) at 10 a.m., Vikings vs UWI A (D1) at noon, St. Jago vs UWI B (D2) at 2 p.m., MOSA vs Vikings (D1) at 4 p.m.

Women's: UWI vs G.C. Foster College at 10 a.m., UTECH vs Viqueens at noon, Venus vs UWI A at 2 p.m.

Tomorrow's matches

Men's: Vikings A vs Vikings (D1) at 10 a.m., MOSA vs Venus (D1) at noon, Venus B vs Patriots (D1) at 2 p.m., G.C. Foster College vs Titans (D2) at 4 p.m.

Women's: MOSA vs Viqueens at 10 p.m., G.C. Foster College vs UWI A at noon, Venus vs UWI B at 2 p.m.

All matches will be played at G.C. Foster College.