WILDCATS CLINCH 4TH STRAIGHT TITLE

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The Untalan Wildcat dynasty continued after they clinched their fourth straight GDOE Boys Middle School Volleyball title after defeating the Agueda Johnston Pirates in straight sets (25-14, 25-13). The Wildcats ended their season at 13-1 to claim the championship all to themselves with the Benavente Roadrunners at 12-2 before last night’s contest.

Middle school champions are declared by the team with the best record at the end of the season. Coming to the contest Monday night, the Wildcats were guaranteed at least a share of the title with the Benavente Roadrunners who handed them their only loss.

According to Wildcat head coach Rodney Pama, his team is 48-4 in the last four years. He has coached All-Island volleyball players that have filtered through his program to central high schools such as the dominating GW Geckos.

“We do what we can to keep these kids busy and off the streets. There are volleyball clinics here we host at the Untalan gym or previous years at the Guam Sports Complex,” said Pama.

Pama said his team is composed of mostly 8th graders and it will be a challenge to continue to get the fifth title next year. Cisco Uncangco, an 8th grader, led the Wildcats with six total kills en route to the championship.

Uncangco, a middle blocker, capitalized on the limited opportunities but still managed to collect six kills and two blocks.

“It feels so awesome to win this title, we worked really hard to get this,” said Uncangco.

“Our coach (Pama) had a lot to do with our success. Hopefully the team can come back strong again next year and win their fifth championship,” said Pama who will likely attend FD or Notre Dame next year.

The Wildcats still have valuable returnee who will likely lead the next class in setter and defensive specialist Laurence Malencio. Malencio started the contest off serving four straight aces to give early momentum to the Wildcats.

“We just need to keep practicing and work hard next season,” said Melencio. Melencio ignited the offense, serving aces for the early 4-0 lead.

The Pirates’ Ethan Duenas finally got his team on the scoreboard with a dink that found an open spot. The Pirates (6-7) were unable to climb back from the deficit after WestBrook Concepcion, Dorian Teria, and Gary Ericsson each recorded kills for the Wildcats.

Mackey Rasmussen and Uncangco each recorded to kills in the second set to put the Wildcats up by double digits which led to Pama to clear his bench. Blayed Blas officially ended the season with an ace on the final play of the game.

Wendy’s Player of the Game Cisco Uncangco