By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
TANAPAG Middle School remains one of the teams to beat in the girls middle school division of the PSS-NMIVA Interscholastic Volleyball League SY25-26, as it gathered its fifth win of the season on Tuesday, coming out victorious in a hard-fought three-set battle against Hopwood Middle School at the Marianas High School gym.
Both teams appeared evenly matched in the opening set, with several lead changes and long rallies keeping the crowd on edge. HMS’ team chemistry and defensive coverage proved to be their biggest assets. Thriving off the receiving end, Anica Aquino, Luwaisor Fitial, Keziah Mallari, Juana Nocos, and the rest of the HMS squad executed their roles effectively, using all three touches to finish strong with spikes in an effort to gain the lead.
On the other side, TMS played to its strength: offensive pressure. Although HMS held its ground for much of the back-and-forth action, a few critical errors allowed TMS to break through. Aaleyah Fatialofa orchestrated TMS’ attacks with countless spike finishes, while Miku Sharry, Mia Rogopes, Alina Esakova, and Cali Reyes maintained composure with controlled bumps and precise sets. TMS’ offense outclassed HMS’ defense to win the first set, 21-19.
The second set remained a nail-biter, as neither team could seize a clear advantage. Possession after possession, both squads produced highlight-reel plays. HMS’ persistence paid off this time, forcing TMS into unforced errors and clinching the set, 21-18, marking their first win of the match.
In the third and final set, the action intensified. TMS combined powerful overhead serves with early returns to gain a slight advantage over HMS. While HMS tried to close the gap, a few ill-timed mistakes allowed TMS to maintain momentum and secure the victory, 15-13.
Other winners in the division included Grace Christian Academy, which defeated Saipan Community School, 21-17, 21-7; Mount Carmel School II, which beat Francisco M. Sablan Middle School II, 21-9, 21-16; and Dandan Middle School II, which advanced by default over Chacha Ocean View Middle School II.
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.
