Solomon Islands have lost its opening match to Fiji in the opening round of the Oceania Zonal Competition at Vodafone Arena in Suva.

Height and fitness were the contributing factors for the Fiji White women’s volleyball team as they beat Solomon Islands 3-0.

The Basilio Kalokalodroma-coached side won all three sets with a convincing scoreline of 25-8, 25-8 and 25-15.

Fiji’s assistant coach Esava Tikoenavuli said the team had a good start to the tournament.

“The momentum is high after a good win on the opening day of the tournament. It is a good win but the tournament is not over yet,” he said.

“We need to focus on the remaining matches. Solomon Islands were a good side but they lacked fitness and we had height advantage. The girls had been preparing for the past one month.”

Solomon Islands coach conceded that lack of game time and preparation cost them the game.

“It is the first game, we are disappointed but our preparation coming into this tournament was not the best, and the lack of game time to gel as a team was not there. But I think they will improve as the tournament continues.”