Eagles soar to v-ball title

Grace Christian Academy 1’s Katriel Saures sets up Sebastian Camacho, not in the photo, while her teammate looks on during the second set of their title game against Saipan International School 1 in the middle school division of the COPSSA volleyball league yesterday at the GCA court on Navy Hill. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Grace Christian Academy 1 ended its four-year title drought after sweeping Saipan International School 1 in the finals of the middle school division of the 2016-2017 Coalition of Private Schools Sports Association Volleyball League yesterday at the Eagles court on Navy Hill.

The Eagles, who gained their last middle school crown during the 2011-2012 season, won the one-game title match, 25-12, 25-7, avenging their loss to the Geckos in last year’s finale.

Again, the trio of Joshua Pajarillaga, Duane Torres, and Sebastian Camacho, made it easier for GCA 1 to dethrone SIS 1. Pajarillaga was steady with his game, setting up Torres and Camacho and intimidating SIS players going near the net. The three GCA 1 players used their ceiling advantage against the much smaller frontliners of the Geckos to get numerous points off spikes.

After winning by 13 in the first set, the Eagles kept their momentum in the second. They built a 3-0 advantage in the early goings of the second and SIS 1 coach Mili Saiki was pressed to sued for time, hoping to stop GCA 1’s surge.

However, the Eagles continued to pile up points with Camacho serving and the eventual champions even stretched their lead to 10-0 off Camacho’s ace. A strong return from GCA 1 finally put SIS 1 on the board, but the Eagles still won the next exchange to pull away further, 15-3. Torres’ spike gave GCA 1 its 15th point and the Geckos were again forced to call a timeout, hoping to stop the bleeding.

However, the Eagles were still on target and outscored SIS 1 anew, 6-2, for a big 21-6 lead.

A spike from Ji Min Woo, who came in for Torres, moved GCA 1 within three points away from clinching the division championship. SIS 1 then tried to give the Eagles a dose of their own medicine, but Go Sekiguchi’s spike went out to the sideline.

Now needing only two points to close out the match, Camacho let go a thunderous spike, which dropped to an unguarded spot near the right sideline. Camacho’s shot drew a loud cheer from the Eagles supporters, who obviously outnumbered the Geckos’ fans. However, the celebration was premature, as SIS scored the next point. Brian Youn got a point off a tap near the net, as Pajarillaga anticipated the former would go for a strong shot so he stepped back and left his spot in front.

Youn’s score was the Geckos’ last, as they failed to extend the match in the ensuing play when Jon VIllagomez’s overhand serve went short.

With the finals victory, GCA 1 kept its unbeaten record this season, winning all its 21 matches in the division, including an 18-game sweep in the elimination.

“The title win and our unbeaten record are products of hardwork and teamwork. The players gave their best during our practice sessions and games. This win is also for the parents, who brought their children to school for our practices and games,” GCA 1 coach Cesar Libut said after their title conquest.

“It’s about time we take it (middle school title) back after losing to SIS last year and in the three previous seasons,” he added.

The Eagles were presented with the perpetual trophy after their victory yesterday, while members of the Middle School All-League Selection (one male and female from each participating schools) were also recognized at the awards ceremony.

The elite list includes GCA 1’s Anna Nunez and Camacho; GCA 2’s Claire Marzan and Eugene Park; SIS 1’s Mauryzon Tybaco and Go Sekiguchi; SIS 2’s Victoria Torres and Arm Benchakarn; Agape Christian School’s Keziah Garcia and Tychicus Xu; Seventh Day Adventist’s Kinna Palacios and Roy Yoon; Whispering Palms’ Blake Mister and River Kramer; Saipan Community School’s Teeon Camacho and Oliver Lee; Mt. Carmel School 1’s Cody Foreman and Maaya Sato; and Mt. Carmel School 2’s Richard Steele and Theresa Schweiger.