The St. Paul Warriors were undefeated under new head coach Nate Pineda after taking down the GW Geckos over the weekend. Tuesday presented their toughest challenge yet by hosting the top seeded ND Royals, and ND would prevail in three sets 25-14, 23-25, 25-23.
The usual work horses were putting in work for the Royals as they were led by Bri Leon Guerrero, Ella Balajadia and Austia Mendiola. Taking advantages of free balls were key in the Royals win as they overcame strong night from Warriors Niah Siguenza and Monica Giger.
Ally Santos gave the Warriors a big boost off the bench, but the Royals frontline proved too strong to overcome in the later sets.
PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Norte Dame Royal's Ella Balajadia denies a shot from St. Paul Christian Warrior's Monica Giger. (Photo by Michael Blas)
St. Paul Christian Warrior's Kirsten Silva launches ball over to the Norte Dame Royals. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Norte Dame Royal's Carlie Quinata extends to keep the ball alive. (Photo by Michael Blas)
St. Paul Christian Warrior's Coach Al Garrido preps his team before the start of the third set. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Norte Dame Royal's Austia Mendiola spikes past St. Paul Christian Warrior's Niah Siguenza. (Photo by Michael Blas)
St. Paul Christian Warrior's Keiani Pangelinan, left, and Niah Siguenza, right, blocks a spike from Norte Dame Royal's Nicollete Perez. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Player of the Game Brianne Leon Guerrero jumps up for a kill shot. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Player of the Game Ella Balajadia spikes past St. Paul Christian Warrior's Monica Giger. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Norte Dame Royal's Minami Rabago connects with a spiked ball from the St. Paul Christian Warriors. (Photo by Michael Blas)
Norte Dame Royal's Austia Mendiola spikes while St. Paul Christian Warrior's Niah Siguenza attempts to block. (Photo by Michael Blas)
St. Paul Christian Warrior's Monica Giger spikes the ball over to the Norte Dame Royals. (Photo by Michael Blas)
St. Paul Christian Warrior's Tiffani Lopez bumps the ball after a serve from Norte Dame Royal's Brianne Leon Guerrero. (Photo by Michael Blas)