By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE Koblerville gym on Tuesday saw full-on action from the PSS–NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY 2025–26 girls middle school division as the regular season resumed, with Dandan Middle School and Hopwood Middle School claiming victories over their respective opponents.
Dandan Middle School showcased a dominant performance against Saipan Community School, winning in straight sets, 21-16, 21-10.
The opening set featured both teams battling for control early. DMS’ communication proved to be its biggest strength, as players covered each other with possession-saving dives and timely spike returns to establish an early lead. Dana Munar, Liana Saokau, Maria Aguon and Mia Camacho led the offensive charge, pushing the advantage to as much as six points.
Although DMS controlled most of the pace, errors allowed SCS an opportunity to mount a comeback. Riel Choi, Gwen Retardo, Nadine Van Dam and Naomi Ajoste led the push as SCS closed the gap. However, struggles to consistently send the ball over the net kept SCS behind, and DMS closed out the set, 21-16.
The first set served as the warmup DMS needed, as it carried the momentum into the second set.
Despite SCS’ efforts to stay competitive, DMS’ offensive depth proved too much to handle. SCS was held to just 10 points before DMS reached game point at 21, securing its second straight win.
Hopwood vs. Chacha
Meanwhile, on the south court, Hopwood Middle School faced Chacha Ocean View Middle School and earned a straight-sets victory.
The first set was a seesaw battle for the lead. COVMS challenged nearly every return, with Ana Mangerero, Kira Pua, Xena Rangamar and Ariani Camacho delivering bumps and spikes across the net. However, COVMS failed to capitalize late, allowing HMS’ Kaziah Mallari, Juana Nocos, Luwaisor Fitial and Benisa Ilo to rally and steal the extended set, 25-23.
COVMS began to falter in the second set, committing a series of errors compounded by miscommunication. Hopwood capitalized, delivering multiple service aces to comfortably claim the set, 21-12.
Joining the winners’ circle was Mount Carmel School, which defeated Francisco M. Sablan Middle School in three sets, 14-21, 25-24, 15-10.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
