The Dolphins failed to claim a set despite having the home advantage. SIS scored an extra two points to break its 24-24 tie in the first set. The next round was less difficult for the Geckos, as they capitalized from Amber Roberts and Zoe Jewell’s spikes. They won again, 25-16 and finished off with a 15-13 victory in the third set.
They scored 25-19, 25-19, and 15-4 last Tuesday to dominated Saipan Southern High School.
“This year we are undefeated and we want to continue this way. The girls are practicing hard to get the title. We are very satisfied with their performance. They continue to improve and work very hard to get the championship,” said SIS coach Mili Saiki in an email to Marianas Variety.
The Geckos also competed last year but were eliminated in the playoffs.
Despite losing to SIS, the Manta Rays triumphed in another game against Marianas High School 2. MHS 2 – holding 10 straight losses – has not won a match since the start of the season.
The Mantas lost 20-25 in the first set, but returned with a swift 25-15 win in the second. Both teams came neck and neck at the start of the third set, with Southern feeding off the Dolphins’ failed attacks. SSHS prevailed, 15-12.
The Manta Rays now hold four wins and six losses. MHS 1 sits right below SIS with a 7-3 record. Grace Christian Academy crushed MHS 1 and SSHS last week to improve its standing at six wins and four losses. Kagman High School won three of its 10 regular season games.
As the Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization wraps up its boys’ basketball season, it now prepares for an end-of-season girls’ volleyball tournament set for Feb. 18 and 19. The tournament follows a double elimination format. Tinian High School will be joining this year and will receive the third seed automatically. Games on Feb. 18 start at 2 p.m., and Feb. 19 games start at 9 a.m.
