By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
AS the girls middle school division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY 2025–26 regular season came to an end Friday, Hopwood Middle School and Grace Christian Academy earned victories over their respective opponents at the Koblerville gym, solidifying their post-season positions.
Hopwood’s triumph did not come easily, as the team battled through three sets against Saipan Community School, winning 21-9, falling 24-25, and closing out the match with a dominant 15-2 victory.
HMS started strong behind the defensive efforts of Juana Nocos and Luwaisor Fitial, who tracked down difficult returns to keep rallies alive and helped secure the opening set, 21-9.
SCS refused to go quietly in the second set, clawing its way back despite several spectacular rallies from HMS. The former’s determination proved enough to prevail in the extended exchange, 25-24, forcing a decisive third and final set.
With pressure at its peak, HMS found its second wind. Benisa Ilo and Keziah Mallari were steady from the service line, building an early lead, while Sarah Kaipat and Neisha Kukkun showed composure at the net. The combined effort fueled a dominant performance as HMS nearly silenced SCS with a convincing 15-2 win in the third set, securing seventh place heading into the playoffs while SCS settled for eighth.
Grace Christian Academy, meanwhile, locked in second place after defeating Francisco M. Sablan Middle School in straight sets, 21-19, 21-7.
Also joining the winners’ circle were junior varsity teams, including HMS II over FMS II, 21-12, 21-17, and Tanapag Middle School II over Saipan International School II, 21-7, 21-7.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
