By Asha Marie Robles

The Simon Sanchez Sharks proved that they are the team to beat after demolishing the Harvest Eagles at their home court in Yigo Tuesday night in an unspoiled two set match 25-15, 25-18.

With the win, the undefeated Sharks now lead the season with a 3-0 record according to head coach Art Stanley, who also states that his team won tonight’s match purely on transitioning.

“We put a lot of emphasis on winning free balls, so transitioning from defense to offense is key for us.” Stanley also commends his team for their strong serving which was also a key factor in tonight’s win.

The first set started off with minor errors by both teams as the score went back and forth a few times. At 4-4, the Sharks found their groove behind Lowella DiRamos’ four serves, two of which were fast paced aces. With the score at 8-4 the Sharks would continue to keep the lead with the help of great digging and passing by Patience Artero,“I felt confident in my passing and I think that’s what any player needs, is confidence and faith in themselves.”

Sharks Kiarra Rojas lets a spike slip through her hands. (photo by Jose Perez)

The Eagles’ Mari Quichocho had a few great kills and passes in the first set, but not enough to give her team the win. Fellow Eagle Stephanie Agarpao gave her team some hope as she scored five points by serves to catch up to the Sharks at 16-14. However, the Sharks played with smarter defense as they picked up on digs, spikes, and free balls leading them to the 25-18 win in the first set.

The second set started off in favor of the Sharks as Captain Zhannissa Mendiola and Tayler Naputi kept their serves hard and unstoppable giving the Sharks a 10-3 lead. The Sharks would continue their spree behind numerous kills and tips by Kiarra Rojas. However, at 14-6 the Eagles would surprise the Sharks and the crowd with eight consecutive serves by Maranatha Hennegan, putting her team up and tied at 14-14.

Sharks Mendiola would then make a kill, getting her team out of the rut. “It’s my job as team captain to lead my team out of these ruts. They are the ones who push and inspire me to do it,” said Mendiola.

With that motivation, the Sharks were back in the game and continued to keep the lead until the final score of 25-18. In the losing effort, the Eagles now fall to 1-2.

Eagles Brandi Tkel narrowly misses a floating dink. (photo by Jose Perez)

Other Games

Southern def. Notre Dame 26-24, 25-14

GW def. Guam High 25-14, 25-19

St. Paul def. JFK 25-19, 25-13

St. John’s def. Okkodo 25-15, 20-25, 25-21

Academy def. GAA 25-16, 25-15

Junior Varsity Scores

Sanchez def. Harvest 25-19, 23-25, 26-24

GW def. Guam High 25-13, 25-7

JFK def. St. Paul 25-21, 23-25, 25-19

Okkodo def. St. John’s 15-25, 25-16, 25-19

Notre Dame def. Southern 25-17, 17-25, 25-12

PHOTO GALLERY:

Eagles Mari Quichocho servers on up for her team. (photo by Jose Perez)

Eagles Bryana Paulin was able to block a spike from Sharks Zhannissa Mendiola (photo by Jose Perez)

Eagles Brandi Tkel is able to block a spike from Sharks Kiarra Rojas. (photo by Jose Perez)