By Robert Balajadia
The FD Friars and Sanchez Sharks met Saturday morning for a showdown of two of the leagues top teams. The Lady Sharks pinned down the Academy Cougars 34-21 and the Friars out numbered of the Sharks in a 52-27 win, with five wins coming via forfeit.
One of the biggest surprises of the day came at 113 lbs. when sophomore Friar Caleb ‘Little Laser’ Laserna earned a pin victory over previously undefeated sophomore wrestler Gavin Whitt of the Sharks. Whitt got the better of Laserna in their freshman year bout, but the loss motivated Laserna more than anything.
“This is my biggest win ever. Ever since I lost to him last year I’ve been training harder each day. Everyone was cheering me on when I got back to the bench,” said Laserna.
Laserna’s game plan opened up and he took full advantage, despite facing the talented Whitt.
“[Whitt] got me in the head and arm really quick. He seemed a lot quicker than last year, but I managed to see what he was doing and I just had a feel for him. I wanted to try and get him on his back, but coach told me not to so I had to find another way around him,” added Laserna.
The Lady Sharks were locked into a close contest before Kaetlyn Quintanilla earned a 14-7 points victory over Anabelle Basto to keep Sanchez ahead 22-15. The Sharks would take two more victories via forfiet to final the score, keeping their unbeaten record intact.
In just the third week of their shortened season, IIAAG wrestling is already preparing for their All-Island Meet next weekend. Despite the nearly three-week delay, Friar wrestling coach Terry Debold credited all the off-season training that most of the IIAAG wrestlers go through that has them performing at high levels despite lacking some matt competition time.
“Off-season training in any sport is crucial. You see it in these athletes and in their growth of the talent pool. The Snakepit of Tiyan, the Sharks and us, the Phoenix Wrestling Club all wrestle year round. You’re starting to see the numbers, especially in the female wrestlers,” stated Debold.
As for the final showdown next weekend, Debold told his team they need to have faith.
“This team is built on faith. The talent, hard work and support is there, but at the end of the day, you have to have faith. That’s one thing nobody can take away from you and that’s your faith. So whenever we go out and compete, we have to believe in ourselves,” added Debold.
The top seed is often in charge of hosting the All-Island and the Friars locked up the top spot with their Saturday win. Details of the IIAAG All-Island Meet is sure to come soon!
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GPS Sports Calendar
March 2024
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
ISA SOFTBALL
IIAAG MS GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for March
2nd
HS RUGBY
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
2nd
Events for March
4th
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS
ISA SOFTBALL ALL-ISLAND COACHES MEETING
Events for March
5th
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for March
8th
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYOFFS
Events for March
9th
ISA SOFTBALL FINALS
HS RUGBY FINALS
Events for March
9th
Events for March
14th
- 17
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- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
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17th
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18th
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19th
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20th
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22nd
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24th
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25th
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27th
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28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
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- 5
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Events for March
30th
Basketball
TENORIO NAMED IIAAG HOOPS MVP
Basketball
TENORIO NAMED IIAAG HOOPS MVP
Volleyball
CHEN, EUGENIA ARE EMPRESSES OF THE BEACH
COMING SOON …
4th Quarter Sports
- Guam Marathon