LADY Starz and Angry Penne joined Bomba in the spotlight on Saturday, each outlasting their opponents to capture championship titles in the women’s and coed divisions of the 4 Starz Marianas Club’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest Volleyball Tournament 2025 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The women’s final mirrored the intensity of the men’s division, as Lady Starz endured a grueling five-set showdown against Kiss My Ace before finally securing the crown.
The opening set was filled with lead changes, with Kiss My Ace controlling most of the early possessions by executing all three touches before sending the ball back across the net. Alisa Baquilles, Karisse Ong, and Julie Harrison anchored the defense with steady receptions that set up effective spikes to rack up points.
Lady Starz responded with their own strategy, leaning on Azriel Fatialofa’s finishing power at the net. Supported by teammates Aiko Rasiang, Jasmine John, and Knohlynn Gechig, who managed the passing and setting, Lady Starz fought to keep pace. Ultimately, late errors cost them the first set, as Kiss My Ace pulled ahead 25–23.
Shaking off the loss, Lady Starz regrouped with a vengeance. Fatialofa continued to deliver powerful spikes while adding well-timed blocks to frustrate Kiss My Ace’s attack. With better defensive coverage and fewer mistakes, Lady Starz edged out the next two sets, 25–22 and 27–25.
Kiss My Ace refused to fold, mounting a comeback in the fourth set. Both teams showed signs of fatigue, struggling at times with ball control, but Kiss My Ace capitalized on Lady Starz’s miscues to force a deciding set with a 25–23 win.
The fifth set was a nail-biter, with multiple lead changes keeping the crowd on edge. In the end, Lady Starz held firm, escaping with a 15–13 victory to claim the women’s division championship.
Lady Starz’s roster includes Aiko Rasiang, Vera Hapdel, Vina Hapdel, Jen Sav, Jasmine John, Ha’Ani Passi, Yasmine Zahara, Azriel Fatialofa, Mei Rengiil, and Knohlynn Gechig.
Coed finale
In the coed division, Angry Penne reigned supreme over 4 Starz, rallying to win 18–25, 25–19, 15–13.
This year’s tournament also introduced a new “green card” system to promote positive sportsmanship alongside the traditional yellow and red cards. Green cards were awarded to players who displayed honesty or commendable behavior on the court. The Bikini Bangers earned the most green cards throughout the competition and were recognized with a special token of appreciation for their fair play.
Despite the challenges the community is currently facing, 4 Starz Marianas Club expressed deep gratitude to the organizations and individuals who supported the event and the athletes. Sponsors and supporters included the Northern Marianas Sports Association, the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium staff, Saipan International School, The Angry Penne, Speaker Edmund Villagomez, Joeten Motors Company, Hagu Real Clothing, Marpac, Northern Marianas Volleyball Association, Gold’s Gym Saipan, The Athlete’s Foot, Borderline, Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola, Rep. Marissa Flores, Rep. Denita Yaitamai, Pizza Hut, Pacific Islands Club, Coca-Cola Saipan, Latte Built Saipan, D&Q Distributors, RNV Construction, Primera Visions, Hafa Adai Photography, Hyacinth Creations, Marianas Variety, Marianas Press, Dial Rent to Own, Herman’s Modern Bakery, and the many volunteers who helped the tournament run smoothly.
The Lady Starz pose with the women’s division championship trophy of the 4 Starz Marianas Club’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest Volleyball Tournament 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Contributed photo
The Angry Penne players pose with the coed division championship trophy of the 4 Starz Marianas Club’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest Volleyball Tournament 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Contributed photo
The Bikini Bangers, who earned the most Merit Points, pose for a group photo.
Contributed photo
Lady Starz’s Knohlynn Gechig sets up the play with a bump during the championship game against Kiss My Ace in the women’s division of the 4 Starz Marianas Club’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest Volleyball Tournament 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Kiss My Ace’s Fatima Monterubio leaps for the spike return during the title match against Lady Starz in the women’s division of the 4 Starz Marianas Club’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest Volleyball Tournament 2025 at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
