By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE 2025 Agape Christmas Volleyball Tournament kicked off the new year with a bang as Heaven on Earth emerged victorious in a five-set thriller against Lady Starz to capture the women’s division title at the Agape Christian School gym on Saturday night.
Heaven on Earth came out of the gate with an aggressive offensive rhythm that Lady Starz struggled to contain.
The eventual champions controlled the early exchanges, with Somia Quan and Kathy Winkfield leading the offensive assault through well-timed spike finishes and quick returns. Although Lady Starz eventually fought back, they remained out of reach. Heaven on Earth further solidified its control as the rest of the team joined the fray. Toni Olopai and Serafina Rogoyawa showcased strong defensive awareness with timely blocks, while Michelle and Caydince Masga stood firm on the receiving end with clinical efficiency to secure the opening set, 25-15.
The second set continued to swing in Heaven on Earth’s favor as they maintained their dominance, earning a second consecutive win, 25-16.
Facing elimination, Lady Starz flipped the script in the third set.
They tightened their defensive coverage at the net and began exploiting gaps in Heaven on Earth’s back line. The momentum shift was fueled by Jasmine John, Yasmeen Younis, Aiko Rasiang and Ha’ani Passi, who delivered several service aces that put Heaven on Earth on its heels, allowing Lady Starz to claim the set, 25-13.
In the fourth set, Heaven on Earth made adjustments of its own as the intensity ramped up. Both teams battled vigorously for control, but despite Heaven on Earth’s efforts, Lady Starz held on to take the set, 25-12, forcing a decisive fifth set.
With the title on the line, the final set turned into a point-for-point battle of nerves.
Lady Starz attempted to extend their late-game surge, but Heaven on Earth’s momentum proved too much to overcome. In a nail-biting finish that saw both teams diving for every loose ball, Heaven on Earth edged out Lady Starz, 16-14, to secure the women’s division championship of the 2025 Agape Christmas Volleyball Tournament.
The Heaven on Earth roster included Michelle Masga, Somia Quan, Kathy Winkfield, Caydince Masga, Toni Olopai, Charnessa Lizama, Trina Palacios, Kaia Travilla, Rae Rogolifoi, Serafina Rogoyawa, Dayna Macaranas and Naiomi Billimon.
The Lady Starz roster consisted of Aiko Rasiang, Katriel Saures, Veralei Hapdei, Vinalei Hapdei, Jasmine John, Ha’ani Passi, Triana Sablan, Yasmeen Younis, Erica Zandueta and Mei Rengiil.
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.
