
By Robert Balajadia
The competition in Papua New Guinea for Men’s Volleyball as part of the 2015 Pacific Games is bound to be stiff, but Guam’s small group of nine are welcoming the odds. With a small mix of veterans and a handful of national new comers the expectations don’t appear to be too high, to the public that is.
Though small, these guys are holding themselves to medal standards and are more determined to prove that international experience is a little overrated.
“Experience is important, but I want to medal. Medalling is my goal, it’s my teams goal as well,” said National newcomer Devin Maluwelmeng.
“The consensus is that we want to medal and bring hardware back home. The manifestation of representing where you come from along with the camaraderie is important but in the end we’re all competing against each other,” added team co-captain Jude Lizama.
Lizama has a wealth of volleyball experience but this will be the first time he’s traveling to compete. He’s of the older bunch on this men’s team so the young newcomers are still following in his lead and he’s embraced the role.
“We’ve got a good group here, a few veterans with a handful of young guys ready to go. We veterans aren’t scared of the competition and neither are the young guys. I’m really confident in my game and in my team because we are well rounded,” said Lizama.

Men’s volleyball teams Jude Lizama hammers home a set from Robert Borden during practice. (photo by Robert Balajadia)
Led by head coach Mike Rabago and assistant coach Dan Hattig, the boys are in medal winning hands. Rabago led the men’s team to a 2014 Micro Games gold medal and Hattig did the same as the head coach for the women’s team in dominating fashion.
Although, the only returnees from that 2014 Micro Games gold medal are team captain Robert Borden, middle blocker Derrick Wahl, and dangerous hitter TJ Balajadia. The three have all taken some form of a leadership by making sure the whole team is on the same page from passing to serving.
“Our captains are leading us really good. We just have to follow their guidance and carry out what they’re saying and we’ll get the job done,” said Maluwelmeng of Borden and Lizama.
Men’s Roster
Robert Borden (team captain)
TJ Balajadia
Derrick Wahl
Nate San Nicolas
Jude Lizama
Devin Maluwelmeng
Luis Mesngon
Misaki Cramer
Eric Ada
PHOTO GALLERY:

Devin Maluwelmeng will be a powerful force despite it being his first ever Pacific Games. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Nate San Nicolas gained a lot of experience playing club volleyball in college and he’ll be an asset all-around. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Luis Mesngon was part of the championship winning GW Geckos and he’ll look to make an impact on the National team. (photo by Robert Balajadia)


GPS Sports Calendar
January 2023
- SU
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- TU
- WE
- TH
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- 1
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Events for December
31st
Events for January
1st
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2nd
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3rd
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5th
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6th
- 8
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Events for January
7th
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9th
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11th
Events for January
12th
Events for January
14th
Events for January
15th
Events for January
16th
Events for January
17th
Events for January
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
21st
LIFT HEAVY + LIFT FAST – BFF SERIES
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for January
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for January
24th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for January
25th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for January
26th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for January
27th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
GLORIFIED SPARRING X
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
28th
5K DASH FOR ASH
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for January
29th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 1
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
30th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for January
31st
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL

Running/Track
’23 TRACK SEASON OPENS

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Basketball
TAKUMI SIMON MAKING THE BEST OF PRO LIFE

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H.S. BEACH VOLLEYBALL IN FULL SWING
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- 3rd Quarter Sports