GRACE Christian Academy won their sixth straight NMIVA-PSS Girls High School Volleyball League title by dominating Saipan International School, 21-13, 21-8, on Saturday at the Marianas High School gym.
GCA were led by their experienced seniors Hye Jin Elliott, Katriel Saures, Soleil Lamar and Vicky Wang. With each return, the Lady Eagles utilized the three-touch strategy with powerful spike finishes to seize the lead.
The SIS Geckos fought back, forcing the Lady Eagles to commit a handful of errors.
But before the end of the first set, GCA played steadily and with great skill en route to a 21-13 victory.
In the second set, GCA went all out with Saures playing her role well as the setter, placing the ball right where the spikers needed it. Thanks to Lamar’s powerful overhead spikers, GCA bagged the second set and the championship, 21-8.
Despite the loss, SIS head coach Stacey Eno said she was proud of her team’s effort. “Being second place is a big deal,” she added. “We just need to get one step closer to first place. Last year we were third place and this year we are second and hopefully next year we are first place…. It was a long and hard season. It’s nice to see the results of our efforts and I’m really proud of our girls.”
For his part, GCA coach Cesar Libut commended his team for winning yet another championship.
“They worked so hard,” he said. “Even though they were undefeated they still woke up early this morning to practice. It’s all about hard work and dedication. I’m just guiding them and I am so proud of them. When you have players that inspire you to wake up early — that’s a team. And thank you to the parents for the sacrifices. Without them we won’t be able to do it.”
The Grace Christian Academy Lady Eagles pose after earning their sixth straight NMIVA-PSS Girls High School Volleyball championship Saturday at the MHS gym.
GCA’s Hye Jin Elliott rises for the spike during the championship match against SIS on Saturday at the MHS gym.
