EAGLES BOUNCE BACK FROM SECOND LOSS

By Niko Bulaon

Days after their second loss to the FD Friars, the Harvest Eagles bounced back to defeat the St. Paul Warriors in two sets, 25-20, 25-18, at the Harvest gymnasium Tuesday night.

The Warriors started the first set with a lead above their opponents after a big block from Josh Orario, but a tip by Eagles Jordan Javellana sparked a 6-1 run, putting Harvest ahead by three, 15-12. St. Paul tried to take back their lead after an untimely error from the Eagles, but a stunning kill by Kobe Sotelo kept Harvest in the lead.

Multiple errors from both teams kept the Warriors only points away from the Eagles until kills from Warriors Brian Tsuji and John San Andres cut their opponents’ lead to two, 21-19. A tip by Javellana and an error from St. Paul put Harvest a point away from winning the first set, but a mistake by the Eagles kept the set going. An unfortunate serving error by the Warriors gave Harvest the first set advantage.

Brian Tsujii of the St. Paul Warriors gets ready to spike the ball. (photo by Asha Robles)

St. Paul started the second with a lead of 4-0, until an error put Harvest on the board. The Warriors managed to keep their lead until another mistake from St. Paul tied the game and a kill by Eagles Alex Wu put his team above his opponents. Back-to-back kills from Javellana and multiple aces by teammate Isaiah Tydingco put Harvest up by nine, 16-7.

The Warriors soon stepped up with a kill and two aces coming from Trevor Eustaquio, cutting into the Eagles lead. A huge block and tip by Eagles Marlow Evans broke the scoring spree of St. Paul. Errors from Harvest and a block by San Andres kept the second set going until an ace by Misaki Cramer put the score at 24-18. The Warriors tried to keep the game going with a heart-thumping rally, but Evans ended the game with a sneaky tip, giving his team the win.

“We did a good job coming off of a loss from FD,” said Evans. “The team was kind of down so we just needed something to push us up again. I think this was a good game for us to get our spirits up again after that loss and just head into the playoffs with a good mood.”

With the season coming to a close and the playoffs fast approaching, Evans said, “I feel my team will do the best that we can do. We have the home court advantage; we’re looking for our fans to support us. With our fans, our coaches, and our teammates, I think that we can have a good win.”

The Eagles advance to 8-2 while the Warriors drop to 6-4.

PHOTO GALLERY:

St. Paul Warriors’ Dominik Cagioua dives to try and save the ball. (photo by Asha Robles)

Harvest Eagles’ Ben Wiegand slams the ball right past Warrior defense. (photo by Asha Robles)

Harvest Eagles’ Jordan Javellana spikes the ball right through Warrior blockers. (photo by Asha Robles)

Jason Palik of the St. Paul Warriors makes a back set. (photo by Asha Robles)

A St. Paul Warrior gets up high as he spikes the ball. (photo by Asha Robles)

Setter Jason Palik of the St. Paul Warriors tries to keep the ball in play after Alex Wu of the Eagles blocks his hit. (photo by Asha Robles)

Harvest Eagles’ Isiah Lagutang soars in the air as he gets ready to spike the ball. (photo by Asha Robles)

Brian Tsujii of the St. Paul Warriors gets behind the ball and passes it to the setter. (photo by Asha Robles)