By Blake Watson
A rivalry rematch between two girls volleyball powerhouses ensued in Agana as the 8-3 Cougars hosted the 8-3 GW Geckos Saturday night. The Cougars spoiled the Geckos home opener earlier this season in Mangilao with Academy coming out on top in three sets. The Geckos exacted revenge with a three set victory 17-25, 25-17, 25-20 in the season’s second go-around.
The Cougars came out seemingly the more prepared team as they were able to waltz through the first set pretty easily, dominating on both sides of the ball. The second set is where GW would find some momentum as they rode the hot hand of Callia Conception.
The Geckos outlasted the cheers from the home crowd to take the second and force a deciding set.
Back and Forth
Eager to return a loss to Academy, the GW Geckos started the game with intensity. Academy’s middle line was solid throughout the early goings as they were able to fend off whatever the Gecko offense dished out. GW struggled offensively and though they were able to pass well, the purple-and-gold struggled to finish at the net.
The result costed them the opening set. Cougars dominated possession and the front as they ran away with a 25-17 win.
The Geckos, however, made adjustments and found some rhythm in the second.
“We told them to relax and we can get through this, and have fun,” Callia Conception said she told her squad. “Just play our game!”
The pep talked worked as Conception was huge at the net for the purple-and-gold getting big stuffs that could have easily gone the Cougar’s way. Academy’s Laressa Halladay was a highlight for the Cougars in the second.
Halladay notched 4 kills in the second set alone and also came up with some big blocks at the front line. Geckos prevail 25-17 to force a deciding set.
The third set summed up the entire night perfectly. Both sides, knowing what’s at stake, came out focused. Tori Smith was locked in for the Cougars. Smith, the vocal leader, was all over the court getting diggs, kills, and blocks.
Kierston Santos for GW came in clutch for her team late. Santos paired with Callia Conception anchored a very driven Gecko offense. Santos had three kills of the last five GW points which helped lift the Geckos to take the match in three sets.
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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- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
Events for March
17th
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18th
Events for March
19th
Events for March
20th
Events for March
22nd
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24th
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25th
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27th
Events for March
28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
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