Two Agape Christian School defenders reach out to block Marianas High School Manzon’s spike during a boys high school division game in a previous season of the NMIVA-PSS Interscholastic Volleyball League at the MHS gym.
THE boys high school division of the NMIVA-PSS Interscholastic Volleyball League SY23-24 kicked off with three-set thrillers at the Marianas High School gym on Tuesday.
In the varsity class, Mount Carmel School came from behind to upset Kagman High School in a three-set battle.
In the first set, it was KHS that held the cards as their teamwork and sheer efforts bested MCS, 21-18.
MCS, however, quickly got back on their feet the second time around with a more cautious approach and precision attacks. KHS tried to kill MCS’ momentum but failed to find their rhythm in time, allowing MCS to run away with the win, 21-16, to force an extra set.
The seesaw battle continued with neither team able to establish proper control. But during the last few possessions, MCS reigned supreme with strong returns and fewer errors to triumph, 15-13, and record their first win of the season.
Sharing a similar result was Saipan Southern High School, which rallied past Agape Christian School in three sets.
ACS showcased their communication and defensive skills, which caught SSHS off guard in the first set, which ACS won, 21-18.
In the second set, SSHS worked with their strength and attacked ACS’ weakness to turn the tables, 21-18, and force a third set.
Riding the momentum, SSHS continued to fire at will. ACS played well with timed blocks and spike finishes but their errors came at a cost and allowed SSHS to slip away and notch their debut win, 15-9.
The SSHS junior varsity team also triumphed in a three-set thriller against ACS II.
ACS II had a strong start as they won the opening set, 21-17. Their time in the spotlight was short-lived, however, as SSHS II returned with more aggression to overwhelm ACS II, 21-16. They then kept the fuel burning throughout the third and final set to win the match, 15-9.
Winners, too
Joining the winner’s circle were the defending champions, Marianas High School, which swept Grace Christian Academy, 21-10, 21-10; KHS II, which outlasted MCS II, 21-18, 22-20; and MHS II, which eased past MHS III, 21-16, 21-13.
