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By Niko Bulaon

The 14th Shieh Pre-Season Volleyball Tournament got underway Friday night at the JFK gym. (photo by Andre Gadia)

A week before the start of the season, the 15th Annual Shieh Invitational Girls’ High School Volleyball Tournament set the hype and excitement for all teams and supporters. Ten Guam teams have joined this year in hopes to set the tone for themselves in the upcoming season: Southern Dolphins, GW Geckos, Academy Cougars, JFK Islanders, St. John’s Knights, ND Royals, St. Paul Warriors, Okkodo Bulldogs, Sanchez Sharks, and the Guam High Panthers.

Southern Dolphins

The defending champions have come to reign supreme. Losing all-around athlete, Paige Surber, to graduation, the Dolphins had to work harder tonight to win their first game of the tournament. With quick reflexes and motivation, the Dolphins were able to comeback from a first set loss against the St. John’s Knights. Dolphins’ Tianna Sakaba and April Talledo set the pace for their team throughout the match. Despite a couple of errors and miscommunications, the Dolphins were able to find their rhythm and stay in the game. The Dolphins will no doubt play every game like it’s their last.

GW Geckos

Last season’s runner-ups and defending champions of the Shieh Tournament, the Geckos have come prepared for any team they go against. With hard hitters, Maricia Mariano and Zea Nauta, the Geckos had no problem beating the Guam High Panthers in both sets, 21-18, 21-9. On defense and offense, the Geckos move with determination getting every ball they can with no hesitation. The Geckos played with teamwork throughout their match: communicating and motivating each other with every play.

Sanchez Sharks

Defense is key to a great offense. The Simon Sanchez Sharks came into their match with speed and all around hitters. Communication through the whole team kept everyone in sync with each other. Winning their first match against the Okkodo Bulldogs, the Sharks have set the tone for a new season ahead. Setter Chanel Catunao and hitter Kristen Artero got kept their team in the game despite a first set loss. The Sharks played with heart and were able to win with their skill of consistent serves throughout the match.

The pre-season tournament continues all day Saturday with the finals on Sunday afternoon. (photo by Andre Gadia)

JFK Islanders

Despite a home court advantage, the Islanders suffered a loss in their first match against the Academy Cougars, but didn’t go down without a fight. Islanders star athlete, Kristin Sapp, kept her team going through a tough match. Even while losing, Sapp managed to keep her team’s head up and motivated. After a couple of mistakes on defense, the Islanders played good offense behind Sapp’s hard hits. Although the Islanders weren’t able to win their first match, by the end, they were determined and ready for the next.

St. John’s Knights

Behind setter Alex McCarroll, the Knights were able to defeat the defending champions in the first set, but lost to them in the second. McCarroll set the defense and offense for the team, setting up hard hits from teammates Adriana Chang and Kristina Folta. With communication on the court, the Knights stayed focused first set. Through the longest rally of the night, the Knights brought the Dolphins to their feet with great control. Though they may have lost their first match, the Knights kept their heads up and showed that they were not a team to take easily.

Academy Cougars

After a tough upset during last season’s quarterfinals, the Cougars came on the court with determination against the Islanders. With motivation and hard work, the Cougars pulled a win in both sets, 21-17, 21-18. Outside hitter Isabel Flores and middle blocker Erin Wong got the team going with a couple of kills and blocks. The Cougars 2nd string even showed they had skill and motivation. The Cougars fast reflexes counteracted their opponents’ tips and spikes through the whole game. The Cougars are coming back from a big upset and turning it into a motivation.

Okkodo Bulldogs

The Bulldogs came stacked with young players who were ready to play. Winning the first set against the Sharks, but ultimately losing in the second. Through motivation, the Bulldogs were able to fight back against the Sharks in a tough match. Great defense kept the young Bulldogs playing until the final whistle. Even though they lost, the Bulldogs’ determination will take them on a new level.

Guam High Panthers

The regular season for the IIAAG Girls Volleyball League starts up next Friday night. (photo by Andre Gadia)

The Panthers came out to show their skill and hard work. Although losing in both sets, the Panthers kept the Geckos on their feet with their amazing tips and height. Despite their errors, the Panthers never gave in and kept the ball in play. Because of their height, the Panthers were able to give the Geckos a hard time keeping the ball off the floor. Their hard work will get them through a season of motivation.

The Shieh Tournament will continue tomorrow at the JFK gym, 8 am. The championship and third place game will be played on Sunday (time will be announced).

Note: The ND Royals and St. Paul Warriors did not play Friday night; their first match will be held on Saturday.

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