Lady Eagles drown Lady Dolphins in girls v-ball

The Grace Christian Academy Lady Eagles and Marianas High School Lady Dolphins’ NMIVA-PSS Interscholastic Girls High School Volleyball League 2023-2024 two-set game rocked the MHS Gymnasium last Thursday.

In a game of school pride and volleyball supremacy, it seemed more like a playoff game than anything else—with both teams keeping each other close as they took turns scoring—keeping in tune with the cheers from the crowd.

It wasn’t easy to spot who had the upper hand a few minutes into the first set, but later, the Lady Eagles’ attacks from sky-high by way of Azzy Fatialofa, submerged the Lady Dolphins by a few points.

The Lady Dolphins, after a well-timed time out regrouped and made more accurate returns, but couldn’t keep their head above water long enough and lost the first set, 21-18.

Both teams geared up for a second fight-to-the finish set—and with displays of almost impossible saves, precise kills, and ace serves—the gym was almost brought down by the riot-sounding screams of both teams’ supporters after each point.

MHS’ rotation of Rizza Relucio, Julie Ann Capayas, Deivalyn Ham, Direnalyn Castro, Myah Omelau, Airianna Estrada, Elaina Manglona, Sheira Dela Rosa, Cassie Regan, Ayanna Stole, and Tamia Hix, they gave GCA a run for their money as they took turns with the lead.

Meanwhile, GCA’s rotation which included Fatialofa, Dianna Zheng, and Alyssa Omampo, Eunji Hahn, Taehee Kim, Eunice Pagaduan, Bea Fabre, Misako Ota, Ana Teng, Sofia Gomez, Matty Angeles, Maria Zheng, and Jenny Zheng, fought tooth and nail to cling onto their currently 1-0 record.

After multiple back-and-forth sway of the lead, then ties, then switching of favors, the Lady Eagles held on to win in extras, 22-20.

In other results that night, Saipan International School won in three tough sets against MHS III, 17-21, 21-7, 15-9; Kagman High School trounced Mount Carmel School, 21-13, 21-19; MHS II defeated Agape Christian School II, 21-10, 21-11; ACS won over Saipan Southern High School, 21-10, 21-18; and MCS defeated KHS, 22-20, 21-16.