GCA keeps win streak vs SDA

Host Grace Christian outsmarted visiting Seventh Day Adventist in both junior varsity and high school divisions yesterday in the resumption of games in the 2008 Coalition of Private Schools Sports Association Volleyball tournament.

The Eagles remained undefeated in both divisions after easily winning in straight sets over SDA, 25-17, 25-4 and 25-14, 25-9, in the junior varsity and high school divisions, respectively.

The Eagles are now 7-0 in junior varsity and 6-0 in high school.

Coach Mark Robles expressed elation about his players’ winning streak but told them not to be overconfident at this point because it’s a long way to go in the double-elimination format.

He said they need more practice and must work as a team.

It was the fifth defeat for SDA in seven matches as it failed to duplicate its victory over Marianas Baptist Academy in its last game last Sept. 25.

In the high school division, the Eagles quickly raced to a 14-3 lead behind Luther Taylor’s string of spikes coupled with good tosses from Bethanie Batallones and Denise Dass.

Also the booming serves of Anthony Borja, Angelo Salas, and D.M. Jeon as well as the consistent returns from big man Nathan Chargualaf were too much for SDA to counter.

Nearby at the Whispering Palms School volleyball court, the host Terns won anew at home against hard fighting Saipan Community School, 26-24, 25-14.

The win was WPS’ third straight for a 5-1 win-loss record, while dealing SCS its sixth loss in seven outings.

SCS’ lone victory against Mt. Carmel last Sept. 16, however, is still questionable because SCS did not wear their proper uniform in that particular game.

No decision from technical officials yet about this issue.

WPS coach Mark McDonald was happy for the team’s performance.

He said the kids really want to play and that’s what a team should be.

The Terns will visit SDA in their next game tomorrow, Oct. 2, and hope to keep their momentum going.

Despite the loss, SCS coaches Tamiko Winkfield and Jakie Vandam are happy with the way their students are playing.

They said they still have the chance if only they would base their assessment on this particular game.

“They have done so much. They really work hard in every game to improve their skill,” Winkfield said.

She said she is proud of her kids for putting a good fight.

“They love to play,” she said.