
By Blake Watson
The GW Geckos traveled to Tamuning with hopes to play “smart ball” against a high powered JFK Islanders squad. The Lady Geckos were coming off a humbling loss to the St. Paul Warriors knew they had to “keep pushing and go up from there” according to GW middle blocker Evita Laguana.
Stamina and patience were definitely the theme throughout this contest with the Geckos locked in early, despite a second set communication breakdown to ultimately outlast the home team. Geckos beat JFK in three hard fought sets, 25-16 17-25, and 25-23.
1st Set
Both sides were excited to get things started as the Geckos jumped out early to secure their dominance up front. Led by Kiyoko Afaisen and Lyric McGill, GW powered their way through much of the set by just simply placing the ball where the JFK defense wasn’t. Positivity was a factor as well as the Geckos were ready for what JFK was dishing out on offense.
McGill plugged up any gaps at the net and GW started to separate on the scoreboard leading by five, their biggest of the evening to that point 18-13. Momentum was also in favor of the purple and gold, the normally raucous Tamuning faithful were silenced throughout the first set. Geckos win the first 25-16.
2nd Set
Looking to keep the good vibes rolling, GW looked poised and focused to start the second set but JFK had other plans. The Lady Islanders made the necessary adjustments during the break and it showed. The Islanders’ Kiyoni Yamaguchi found her stride about half way through and there was no looking back for the outside hitter.
Teammmate Maiya Taijeron gave her all holding down the middle notching dig after dig. The Geckos stayed silent on the offenseive side as they struggled to find rhythm. JFK would run away with the second set with ease 25-17.
3rd Set
The deciding set did not disappoint. Richelle Tugade got things started for the home team earning two quick points off quick serves. The magic died off a back and forth, exciting, suspenseful volley that GW managed to turn into a point of their own.
The Geckos jump ahead riding the building momentum of the big blocks at the the net turned in by Kiyoni Yamaguchi and Evita Laguana. Not wanting to dissapoint the home crowd JFK hung around off the defense contributions Valerie Escalona and Dame Hular.
Both sides endured gritty battles at the net and nail biting volleys, but in the end the lead was too much for the Lady Islanders to over come. Geckos take the match by winning set three 25-23.
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GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
11th
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
19th
SPRINT TRIATHLON, PACIFIC GAMES QUALIFIER
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

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