After a so-so pool play showing, Team Umitde Guam ran through the playoff format to win the volleyball gold medal in the Gay Games 9 Olympics from Cleveland, Ohio.
Led by former All-Island volleyball standouts Luis Mesngon and Zakkary Zacarias, Team Umitde went a perfect 4-0 in the playoffs to win the gold medal Wednesday afternoon (Thursday morning, Chamorro Standard Time).
“I’m not as happy as being honored to represent our island in the 2014 Gay Games,” team captain/coach Joel Alerta said. “The gold was just a cherry on top. I’m proud of our team and a special shoutout to all our sponsors, familia, and supporters around the world. Thank you to the city of Cleveland and most especially I Islan Guam.”
Umitde had just a 10-6 showing in pool play action before sharpening its skills in the playoff round.
This is the first team to represent Guam in the Gay Games.
Top (L-R): Zakkary Zacarias, Devin Arceo, Zachary Tedtaotao, P.J. Siquig, Brendyn Padayao , Luis Mesngon, Dani Sherwin (Team Umitde Manager), Sasha Leigh. Bottom (L-R): Joel Alerta and Tente Flores. (photo courtesy of Luis Mesngon)
(AP/Carlos Osorio)
