GRACE Christian Academy remains one of the top teams in the Public School System Boys 4v4 Beach Volleyball League after notching five straight wins Saturday at the Fiesta Resort & Spa beach.
Grace Christian Academy’s Ryan Deproza attempts the overhand serve during a PSS Boys 4v4 Beach Volleyball League game at the Fiesta Resort & Spa on Saturday.
Photo James F. Sablan Jr.
GCA’s toughest battle was against Marianas High School 1. At first, GCA was in control, 7-3, thanks to Steven Balakrishna.
With back-to-back plays, smart ball placements and surprise returns, the Eagles soon had a seven-point lead, 17-10.
But then the winds shifted in MHS 1’s favor. Dolphins Nilo Calimag and Raiki Tababa found their footing with great sets and powerful finishes to put GCA on the ground and reduce the gap.
Fortunately for GCA, a timeout and reassessment of strategy allowed the Eagles to make the necessary adjustments to their play. They then stopped the MHS 1 rally and secured the win, 21-17.
Grace Christian Academy’s Steven Balakrishna tips the ball over the net against a Marianas High School 1 defender during a PSS Boys 4v4 Beach Volleyball League game at the Fiesta Resort & Spa on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
GCA’s four other matches were much easier as the Eagles’ chemistry could not be matched.
They defeated Marianas High School 3, 21-13, with Balakrishna doing what he does best, and that was to attack.
With fellow Eagles William Kim and Ryan Deproza adding pressure through their overhand serves, GCA’s victory was inevitable despite MHS 3’s valiant efforts.
Against Saipan International School 2, GCA was also triumphant, 21-15.
In their fourth and fifth games, GCA outhustled Agape Christian School 2, 21-12, and outlasted Mount Carmel School 2, 21-15.
