Even top-seeded Whispering Palms School didn’t see it coming, until the last few plays leading to the second set’s game point.
William Hinson spiked away to lead Grace Christian Academy in a two-set match to defeat WPS in the finals round of the Coalition of Private Schools Sports Association’s 2011 JV Volleyball League at Mount Carmel School.
The Eagles, who survived Saipan International School in last Tuesday’s semifinals, ended a neck-and-neck first set, 29-27. GCA led 10-8 before tying the game, 25-25. An out of bound return eventually finished WPS, with Negahr Rastguiy limping out of the second set due to a sprained ankle.
The Eagles carried their winning rally into set two and launched seven straight points to bury Whispering Palms, 16-8. GCA capitalized on five aces to widen the gap and led, 25-16 to shut WPS off from a possible third set.
In a consolation game, SIS settled for third place after a 25-13, 25-8 victory over Marianas Baptist Academy.
Hinson was crowned the All Tournament MVP shortly after.
MVPs from each participating school included: Kevin Rhee (Calvary Christian Academy), Johnathan Libut (GCA), Fritz Trinidad (MBA), Karleen Reyes (MCS), Jether Espanola (Seventh-Day Adventist School), Emily Jones (SIS), and Aaron Lee (WPS).
WPS, which ended their title bid in last season’s semis, also won this year’s Sportsmanship Award.
COPSSA’s varsity league playoffs will commence next week.
