Memorable performances for WPS, Mieko

While there was much to talk about throughout the week, it was the impressive performance by Mieko Motoyoshi in the 2006 Nissan World XTERRA Championships, the sweep by Whispering Palms School in the Private School Volleyball League, and Trench Warz IV: Enter the Octagon that stole the show.

With supporters from Saipan looking to see how Motoyoshi did against nearly 600 competitors from around the world on a very challenging course in Maui, the Pacific Islands Club Clubmate was able to come through as she finished ninth place out of the 19 women in the 25-29-year-old division, crossing the finish line 4:22:59 after she started on the sand.

Motoyoshi was 306th out of the 533 racers who managed to finish the race.

Meanwhile, the Whispering Palms School Terns won back-to-back sets over Saipan Community School to take the PSIVL Junior Varsity championship at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Thursday.

The teams battled neck and neck in the first set and while the score was close early on, Whispering Palms took a commanding 21-9 lead soon thereafter. SCS closd to within six points, 17-23, but Whispering Palms was able to survive for a 25-18 victory. The second set was just as intense as both teams were locked at 8-8, but a 5-1 run by WPS enabled to team to breathe a little easier, but not for long. Saipan Community cut to within two points, 21-23, but Whispering was able to get the last hurrah for the 25-21 clincher.

Trench Warz IV was also a big hit, with over 1,000 in attendance at the Royal Taga Hall of the Saipan World Resort. A total of 18 fights took place, with Slade “Rage” Adelbai outlasting Tony “Xcalibur” Nekaifes in a hard-fought main event, and Frank “The Crank” Camacho keeping his perfect record after beating Guam’s Troy Munoz in the semi main event.

Northern Marianas Athletics also received word from Oceania Athletics Association that it’s bid for the 2008 Oceania Under 18/Open Track and Field Championships was endorsed.

Priyawathan Wijay and Diane Dar Juan of badminton were also recognized as athletes of the month for October by the Northern Marianas Amateur Sports Association.

Action also continued in the 2006 MDX Good Sportsmanship Basketball League, the World Organized Rocball Community League, the SML Fall League, and the Miller Lite Four-Person Co-ed Beach Volleyball League.