GRACE Christian Academy successfully defended its girls high school volleyball title by rallying past the favored Marianas High School in the championship game of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the MHS gym on Tuesday night.
MHS entered the finale with a one-set advantage after they blew through the tournament unscathed.
In the second set, GCA quickly went to work. Both teams were evenly matched with highlights made on both ends of the court. But as the game progressed, GCA gradually gained control of the pace thanks to their teamwork.
GCA’s Eliane and Eunice Pagaduan played the role of blockers exceptionally well as they thwarted half of the incoming attacks, which turned into forced errors made by MHS.
Leading GCA’s offense were Beatrice Fabre, Tae Hee Kim and Alyssa Omampo, who finished each possession with spike finishes that were complemented by great placements and support from their setters to give GCA their first win, 21-14.
In the third set, GCA took off with a 6-1 run, which forced MHS to call a timeout. MHS tried to stay within reach, but their efforts were riddled with miscommunication and overpowered returns midway through the exchange. MHS eventually lost touch, suffering their second straight loss at the hands of GCA, 16-21
GCA aimed to seal the deal in the fourth set as they cooked up an offensive run that allowed them to lead by a comfortable distance, 13-5.
With GCA on the verge of victory, MHS’ survival instincts kicked in as they fought their way back and gradually closed the distance with Cassie Regan, Erica Zandueta, and Airianna Estrada giving it their all both offensively and defensively with well-timed blocks, spikes, and aces.
GCA tried to get back on the game, but MHS kept their composure to secure victory, 21-17, and force a fifth and final set capped at 15 points.
Both teams fought valiantly, but GCA was left standing after the dust settled, outscoring MHS 15-10 to extend their reign as girls high school division champions for the seventh consecutive year.
Before GCA could reach the finals, they had to fight their way out of the loser’s bracket after they were stunned by Mount Carmel School in the quarterfinals. GCA redeemed themselves in a semifinal rematch to secure a spot in the championship.
The GCA roster consists of Mariana Angeles, Beatrice Fabre, Sofia Gomez, Eunji Hahn, Sarang Kim, Tae Hee Kim, LJ Libut, Alyssa Omampo, Eliane Pagaduan, Eunice Pagaduan, JoAnella Yarofalir and Dianna Zheng. Their head coach is Joe Saures and their assistant coaches are Katriel Saures and Cecile Guevarra.
GCA’s Beatrice Fabre tips the ball over two MHS defenders during the girls high school division title match of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the MHS gym on Tuesday.
MHS’ Rizza Relucio attempts a dive to save the possession during a title match against GCA at the MHS gym on Tuesday.
GCA’s Eunice Pagaduan extends for the bump return against MHS at the MHS gym on Tuesday.
GCA’s Eunice Pagaduan blocks the spike attempt of MHS’ Erica Zandueta in the girls high school division title match of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY24-25 at the MHS gym on Tuesday.
