THE Marianas High School girls came out on top during the double-point finale in the girls division of the PSS Interscholastic Outrigger Race Series, garnering a total of 75 points on Saturday at Kilili Beach.
The lady Dolphins, like their school mascot, excelled in the open waters and recorded their strongest performance in the long distance 1000m race.
In the preliminary round, they showcased their speed and endurance as they led the three-lap race from start to finish, clocking 07:02.110 to secure 10 points.
Saipan Southern High School came in second with a time of 07:17.300 for six points while Kagman High School finished third at 07:51.420 for two points.
In the final round, MHS improved their performance by clocking 06:51.960 to gain 10 more points. SSHS retained second place with a time of 07:09.960 followed by KHS at 07:50.870.
In the 500m distance, MHS had a much tougher battle.
During the preliminary round, MHS claimed first in the one-lap race and crossed the finish line with a time of 03:16.850 for 10 points while SSHS came in second at 03:25.730 for six points and KHS was third at 03:38.800 for two points.
However, in the final round, SSHS sought redemption and succeeded by finishing first with a time of 03:25.720 to edge MHS who crossed the finish line at 03:27. KHS settled for third place with a time of 03:39.810.
Although MHS did not have a perfect run, their overall 75-point performance was more than enough to secure the girls division championship trophy.
SSHS finished second with a total of 61 points while KHS was third with 17 points.
MHS coach Tiana Aldan said they started training in October. “It was rough at first with over 100 students participating in the tryouts. But, in the end, it’s very satisfying for them to win.”
She added, “MHS held the plaque for three years straight but lost last year. So, it’s gratifying to see them win again — their efforts paid off in the end.”
Aldan thanked all the participating students as well as their parents, and Saipan Paddling and Northern Marianas National Paddle Sports Federation President Justin Andrew for making the event a success.
The boys division results will be announced in the next edition of Variety.
The MHS girls team with their coach Tiana Aldan celebrate their first-place finish in the 500m race of the PSS Interscholastic Outrigger Race Series on Saturday at Kilili Beach.
