By Robert Balajadia

Both the Southern Dolphins and GW Geckos were riding hot streaks heading into their much anticipated second meeting of the season, but in the end, the Dolphins would avenge their early season loss by narrowly escaping a very close third set winning  by a final of 15-25, 25-17, 27-25.

GW was riding a five-game win streak heading into Tuesday night’s game, but Southerns win puts the Gecko win streak on ice while, in turn, getting the Dolphins to a five-game streak of their own setting up for a photo finish in the Gadao division with the top three teams separated by just one loss. The loss against the Dolphins drops GW out of the top spot with the Cougars defeating the Guam High Panthers in two sets.

Southern took a beating in the games first set, though Dolphins head coach Jarret Sanchez knows his team can adapt to tough situations which will ultimately help them in the long run. Despite being on the end of some questionable calls, the Dolphins managed to finish strong.

“I tell my team to let me focus on the calls and for them to focus on the game,” said Sanchez on the games late tough calls. “Southern’s teams are always known for their heart in sports. After we lose a set by a big spread I tell my players to just shake it off. We’re all about progressing and the only thing we take from the past is to learn from our mistakes.”

Neither team would fold in the third set with Southern hanging on to a 14-13 before making a small run to go up 17-13 after the Geckos hitters had trouble putting away kill attempts. Southern’s Zoe Surber got a kill to put the Dolphins up 17-13 with her squad appearing to take command of the set.

Gecko’s Sia Duenas and Colleen Quinata had their hands kills to trim the Dolphin lead 17-16. Then Dolphins’ Brittany Quinata came flying in to end the short Gecko run to put her team back up 18-16. Outside hitter April Talledo then added to the frenzy by getting a kill near the backside of the Geckos defense to go up 20-17.

Geckos setter Samyra Duenas and Collen Quinata then scored off back-to-back kills following a Dolphins error to tie the game at 20. The scale would tip back towards Southern with GW still struggling to put away balls as Southern moved up to take a 24-21 lead.

Dolphins middle blocker Ciera Aguon gets a hand on a block in the third set against the GW Geckos. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Gw’s Quinata sparked a run that would nearly topple the Dolphins as GW quickly shaved off the deficit to tie the game at 24. Southern would have trouble passing the ball round giving GW their 25th point off an error, moving the Geckos within one point of winning the game.

Geckos Sia Duenas was given a shot to win it off a set from her younger sibling Samyra, though the ball wouldn’t make it over the net after her swing tying the game at 25.

Southern took complete advantage after scoring on back-to-back passing errors from the Geckos, taking game two of their season series.

“Considering it is the second round, we really wanted this win since they beat us the first time,” said Brittany Quinata on beginning the second half of the season. “We’re planning on coming out stronger than before against the teams that beat us.”

Varsity

Sanchez def. JFK 18-25, 25-23, 25-12

St. John’s def. St. Paul 25-17 25, 15

Okkodo def. Harvest 23-25, 25-20, 25-13

Academy def. Guam High 25-14, 25-11

BYE: Notre Dame

Junior Varsity

Sanchez def. JFK in two sets

St. John’s def. St. Paul 25-21, 25-23

Okkodo def. Harvest 25-18, 25-21

GW def. Southern 25-14, 25-23

Academy def. Guam High 25-16, 25-17

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The Dolphins come together for a team hug after pulling away in the third set. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Geckos Colleen Quinata gets up to try and put away a set from teammate Sia Duenas. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Geckos Sia Duenas gets a shot past the Dolphins front line. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Geckos Samantha Quinata puts away a free ball for a Gecko point in the third set. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Dolphins April Tolledo reacts on the defensive end to give her team control. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Geckos Samyra Duenas makes a quick defensive reaction to save a loose ball. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Dolphins head coach Jarret Sanchez instructs his team on blocking during a timeout. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

GW Geckos Bobby Quinata acknowledges her team during a first set timeout. (photo by Robert Balajadia)