MARIANAS High School outlasted Grace Christian Academy to win the championship of the PSS High School Boys Volleyball League on Saturday at the MHS gym.
In their match, the unbeaten MHS Dolphins went all out for victory, but the GCA Eagles did not go down without a fight.
MHS worked their way to an 8-7 lead in the first set thanks to the consistency of Jerome Manzon’s spike finishes.
But MHS committed a handful of errors, allowing GCA to catch up and pull away, 14-10.
Although MHS fought back for a 15-15 deadlock, GCA managed to soar high enough to bag the first set, 21-16.
MHS redeemed themselves in the second set led by Jasper Perez and Dylan Mister as they established control 16-11.
GCA tried to pick up the tempo but failed to put out MHS’ momentum. MHS took the second canto, 21-14, to force a third set.
Both teams fought well in the final set but neither was able to gain control. With the score tied at 16-16, GCA seized victory thanks to Steven Balakrishna who unleashed back-to-back spikes to hand MHS their very first loss of the season, 16-18.
Game 2
MHS, however, had to be beaten twice by GCA before the Eagles could claim the championship
In their final game, GCA played steadily at first, but MHS then launched an offensive run to take the lead 19-6.
MHS had a chance to seal victory but GCA tried their best to prevent the inevitable.
MHS, however, was just as relentless, eventually snatching victory, 25-15.
“We kind of chose the harder way to victory,” MHS Coach Don Cabrera said in jest. “I do feel that both teams were well-equipped and ready for today. We could have won the first game but GCA fought hard and gave us a scare.”
After the loss, Coach Cabrera said he told his team: “It’s moments like this when champions are made, and you have to put everything on the line so that regardless of the outcome, you know you gave your best and you can live with no regrets.”
The MHS boys high school team members pose with the championship plaque.
GCA’s Moon connects the spike as two MHS player go up for the block during the championship game of the PSS High School Boys Volleyball League on Saturday at MHS gym.
MHS’ Jerome Manzon attempts to tip the ball over two defenders during the championship game of the PSS High School Boys Volleyball League on Saturday at MHS gym.
