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By Robert Balajadia
Guam’s Misaki Cramer and returning pro volleyball player Paul Baxter took Saipan by storm by winning the 2014 Marianas Beach Volleyball Cup over the weekend at the Fiesta Resort & Spa sand courts.
Cramer becomes the youngest participant to ever win the Marianas Cup Event at 16 years of age and was greeted by a familiar crowd.
“I was just thankful for having everyone there being so supportive. This was the highest level of competition I’ve ever competed in. Playing in Saipan made it way more fun knowing that the crowd was supporting me and I knew they had my back throughout the whole tournament. I had all my uncles all helping me out as I go,” said the Saipan native.
The tag team duo of Baxter and Cramer defeated the two-time champion Manny Guarin and championship match newcomer Hitoshi Murakami 21-15 in the finals.
“[Baxter] has come out to Saipan for various Mariana Cup tournaments and he’s good friends with my dad. We kept our team a surprise until the tournament. I’ve definitely learned a lot from [Baxter] like strategy and overall technique, and serving,” said Cramer on how the tag-team first came together.
Defense proved to be the difference in the game as Cramer used his quickness and hustle to get to loose balls while the height and leaping ability of Baxter created a bunch of problems for the Guarin/Murakami tag team.
“[Guarin] was a tough opponent and it was a great finals. This tournament really made me work and I wanted to perform at my best,” stated Cramer.
Serving also provided troubles for the Guarin/Murakami team down the stretch.
Guarin teamed up with NCAA standout Tri Bourne in the championship on Guam last year where the duo took the title at The Beach Bar & Grill sand courts.
GPS Sports Calendar
March 2024
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
ISA SOFTBALL
IIAAG MS GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for March
2nd
HS RUGBY
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
2nd
Events for March
4th
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS
ISA SOFTBALL ALL-ISLAND COACHES MEETING
Events for March
5th
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for March
8th
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYOFFS
Events for March
9th
ISA SOFTBALL FINALS
HS RUGBY FINALS
Events for March
9th
Events for March
14th
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
Events for March
17th
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18th
Events for March
19th
Events for March
20th
Events for March
22nd
Events for March
24th
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25th
Events for March
27th
Events for March
28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for March
30th
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
COMING SOON …
4th Quarter Sports
- Guam Marathon