By Mike Nauta Jr. 

With prom night slated for later in the evening, the St. John’s Knights played host to the Harvest Christian Academy Eagles as the two teams went to battle in IIAAG High School Boys Volleyball League action a little earlier than usual on the day with a 3pm game time Saturday.  Both teams came ready and left nothing but their best efforts out on the court.  At the end of the match, it was the Eagles who soared past their opponents’ picking-up the 25-17, 25-18 straight-set victory.

At the start of the game, it was the Knights who scored first courtesy of an unforced error by the Eagles.  However, Harvest quickly regrouped and scored three-straight points capped by a big hit from Alex Wu.  A seesaw battle engaged between the two as St. John’s responded with a mini-run of their own to retake the lead at 5-3.  Phillip Caguioa was credited with two service aces.

Arvin Flores of the St. Johns Knights tries to place his spike over the net as Harvest blockers put a stop to his plan. (photo by Asha Robles)

Neither team was willing to give the other some breathing room as both combined for two more ties and two lead changes.  It wasn’t until late in the set when the Eagles broke a 17-17 tie.  Capitalizing on the defensive breakdown of the Knights, Harvest closed out the first set with an 8-0 run backed by the hitting of Ben Wiegand and serving of Marlon Evans.

Second-set action was much like the first when things got started.  The biggest lead mustered by either team was two points.  Up 8-5, the Knights were looking to equalize the match and force a third-set.  However, Harvest kept things interesting after managing to knot the game at 10-10 several plays later.

Despite losing the lead late in the set, the Knights kept it a one-point (19-18) game and forced Harvest coach Kevin Inafuku to call a timeout.  After returning to the floor, the Eagles showed that it only took a one-minute talk from coach to reignite the fire.  Much like the opening set, the Eagles closed out the second with six unanswered points to end the match for the victory.

IIAAG Volleyball action resumes on Monday night with one game scheduled as the Notre Dame Royals take on the GW Geckos.  On Tuesday, the Knights will travel a bit south to take on the John F. Kennedy Islanders, while the Eagles will stay at home to host the defending-champion George Washington Geckos.  Other games on tap include:  Notre Dame vs. FD, St. Paul vs. Southern, and Guam Adventist Academy vs. Simon Sanchez.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Arvin Flores of the St. Johns Knights makes a quick hit away from the net. (photo by Asha Robles)

St. Johns Knights’ Arvin Flores looks back at the ball which hit the line on his side of the court. (photo by Asha Robles)

Harvest Blockers get up high as a St. Johns Knight tips the ball right to the side of them. (photo by Asha Robles)

Harvest Eagles’ libero Misaki Cramer digs a spike. (photo by Asha Robles)

Marlon Evans of the Harvest Eagles gets some air as he sets up a teammate. (photo by Asha Robles)