4TH QUARTER SPORTS TO START THIS WEEKEND

By Robert Balajadia

High school sports has trickled down to its final quarter of the 2013-2014 IIAAG calendar year. These sports include boys volleyball, girls soccer, track & field, and paddling.

Track & field will open the 4th quarter Friday April 4th at 4 p.m. at its usually spot at the Leo Palace track followed by paddling, soccer, and volleyball all scheduled to commence Saturday.

Geckos celebrate after winning the 2013 volleyball title. (GSPN file photo)

Boys Volleyball

The GW Geckos turned in an impressive 2013 campaign going undefeated all season long only to be forced into the “if” game against the JFK Islanders where the Geckos eventually irked out the win. GW has lost key starters and will be relying on the young guns, like star setter Allen Camacho, to hopefully bring home their fourth straight title.

So far in the 2013-14 school year previous champions are 4-6.

GW will open their season at home against the St. John’s Knights on Saturday after the Junior Varsity game at 4:30 p.m.

The Dolphins raise MVP Paige Surber after winning the 2013 girls soccer title. (GSPN file photo)

Girls Soccer

Southern had a memorable 2013 soccer campaign not only after becoming repeat champions, but the Dolphins’ played with heavy hearts all season after teammate Kiara Sanchez had passed away. Paige Surber was the driving force behind the Dolphins’ back-to-back titles and playing without Surber could be a significant loss.

The Dolphins still have April Tolledo who, if anything, has been a winner in every sport she has played in.

The Sanchez Sharks won the girls soccer high school tournament at the GFA training facility making them the early season favorites.

Sanchez travel to JFK to kick off the season against the Islanders Saturday at 4:30 p.m. while the defending champions Dolphins will travel to Harvest to take on the Eagles at the same time.

The Guam High Panthers are looking to make a strong push in 2014. (GSPN file photo)

Track & Field

The Guam High Panthers not only swept the boys and girls cross-country title last year, but the boys won Track & Field. The Panthers always come out strong in the field events, but the running will most likely be dominated by JFK Islanders John Aquino, like Aquino has been accustomed to doing every year. Aquino broke his own records last year and you can expect Aquino to be aiming to do more of the same in his final year.

Cougars Aria Perez-Theisen will be running for a new school after helping get the JFK Islanders the top spot in 2013, instantly making Academy a dangerous team.

The JFK Islanders pose after winning the boys 2013 paddling title. (GSPN file photo)

Paddling

JFK swept the boys and girls title in 2013 and will hit the waters this Saturday to being their title defense. The Islanders proved strong in the 500 meter races, but really separated themselves in the 100 meter races. The Sottera and Mixed Varsity will be another strong suit for the Islanders with the Geckos, FD Friars, and Sanchez Sharks close behind them.

Races will being Saturday at Matapang beach with a time still yet to be determined.