By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
THE local high school volleyball scene burst back into action on Tuesday as the PSS Athletic Programs launched the highly anticipated Boys High School Volleyball Recovery Tournament at the Agape Christian School Gymnasium.
The opening day delivered straight-set thrillers and dominant performances as teams looked to shake off the rust and establish early momentum.
The tournament kicked off with MHS setting the tone for its run with a commanding victory over Tinian Jr./Sr. High School in two straight sets.
The efforts of Apostel, Teigita, Nuyles, and the rest of the squad were in sync as they produced numerous spike finishes and defensive saves to take the opening set, 21-17.
Although the second set continued to favor MHS, Tinian did not show signs of surrender. Andrei Rutor, Matthew Sarmiento, Johndel Almonte, and Ha’nai Palacios led the effort to mount a comeback, but MHS proved too strong, taking the set 21-14 to secure the match.
The second match featured the most contested set of the day, with Saipan Southern High School edging Kagman High School.
The opening set saw both teams go toe-to-toe in dramatic fashion. KHS played tough behind well-timed blocks and spike finishes from Reven Schardt, Tayshawn Benavente, Nolan Ngewakl, and Javen Camacho. However, SSHS’ chemistry proved the difference as Josh Aque, Jose Olopai, Maguad Ricardo, and Ignacio Sumor worked in sync to pull out a narrow 25-24 win.
Fueled by momentum, SSHS took control in the second set, winning 21-18 to complete the sweep.
MHS earned a second victory of the day by defeating KHS in its next match.
MHS and KHS battled closely in the opening set, with highlights from Nuyles and Apostel for MHS and Wallace Sablan and Daniel Mendiola for KHS. MHS ultimately prevailed 21-18, capitalizing on KHS errors.
The second set followed a similar pattern as MHS finished strong with a 21-18 victory.
The final game of the day went to Tinian, which defeated Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School, 21-18, 21-11.
RHI started strong behind Jim Atalig, Dwayne Maratita, Eddie Hocog, and Asher Reyel, who kept rallies alive with steady play. However, Tinian controlled the pace throughout the set to take the opener 21-18.
The second set further cemented Tinian’s dominance as it pulled away for a 21-11 win.
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.
