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By Niko Bulaon

Lori Okada making a big block against the Eagles. (photo by Jose Perez)

Keeping calm was the key for the Okkodo Bulldogs as they defeated the Harvest Eagles in two sets, 25-13, 25-19, Saturday night at the Okkodo gym, keeping the Eagles without a win.

After a first set loss, the Eagles looked to take over the second set after two errors from their opponents. Two back-to-back aces from Mari Quichocho put the Eagles up by five, 7-2. But two unanswered kills by Bulldogs Jera Dungca gave her team the motivation to get back into the game.

Still behind their opponents, Bulldogs Lori Okada sparked a small run after two kills and a huge block. Multiple errors from Harvest gave their opponents the easy points; a kill by Sirena Cepeda and two aces from Okada cut the Eagles lead to one, 16-15. A block by Dungca tied the game at 17-17 and an ace by Ke’ann Castro put the Bulldogs in the lead for the first time in the set.

Harvest fought back causing their opponents to make small errors, but Dungca stepped up with a kill and a block, putting her team up by four, 22-18. With the Eagles not far behind, two back-to-back aces from Dungca ended the set and gave the Bulldogs the win.

“We wanted to do it for ourselves,” said Okada about their comeback. “We’re just passionate for the sport.”

McDonald’s Player of the Game: Bulldogs Lori Okada

The first set gave the Eagles hope for a win tonight, starting off with a 6-0 run behind two aces from Bryana Paulin and kills from Maranatha Hennegen and Quichocho. But an Eagles error gave the Bulldogs the boost they needed: three aces from Keana Mayo and a kill by Okada tied the game, 6-6.

Three straight aces from Eagles Stephanie Agarpao tied the game at 12-12, but two kills from Tonni Arrellano and two aces from Xaven Jesser put the Bulldogs in the lead again. After a kill by Joanna Javellana, Harvest looked for a comeback, but was stopped short by Cepeda after two kills and two aces. Two errors from the Eagles put the score at 24-13 and another Cepeda ace ended the first set.

The Bulldogs stand third in the Taga Division behind the Sanchez Sharks and the St. John’s Knights. Planning on keeping their spot or going higher, Okada said, “We just have the earn our wins, keep working and progress, and teamwork.”

Okada led Okkodo with four kills, two aces and a block; teammates Cepeda had three kills and four aces while Dungca had three kills, two blocks, and two aces.

OTHER SCORES:

GW def. Southern 25-23, 25-16

The Geckos took down the last undefeated team in the league Saturday night with a huge statement win over the defending champion Dolphins.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Eagles’ Maranatha Hennegen keeps her eye on the ball and passes it to the setter. (GSPN photo)

Both teams have all eyes on the ball as it sits on the net. (photo by Jose Perez)

Ke’ann Castro serving it up for the Bulldogs. (photo by Jose Perez)

Danica Branch is unable to block a mid court spike. (photo by Jose Perez)

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