
By Nicholas Akimoto
Determined to improve their record, the Notre Dame Royals upset the Sanchez Shark’s senior night by handing them a loss in four sets 25-21, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19.
After having loss the second set, the Royals found new energy within themselves to win the next two sets. Led by monstrous hits by Peter Cruz and Kobe Martinez, the Royals managed to hold off a Sanchez comeback in the fourth set that would’ve forced a decisive fifth set.
Cruz attributed to the team’s change in attitude to their victory. After a sluggish second set from ND, the team was able to find a new energy in their third set to regain the lead.
“We were able to change our morale and execute. We told each other to fight for that one point to stay in the game.” said Cruz.
Sanchez was able to grab the second set off of a service error by Martinez after the Royals battled back from a 24-18 deficit to get as close as 24-23 with Martinez at the line. Kobe did not dwell on his mistake, however, as he came back in the third set with brand new energy that the rest of his team fedd off. His team started off the third set taking a 7-2 lead off of one of his kills.
“In the second set, I kind of messed up the serve, so that motivated me in the third set to rally the team.” said Martinez.
The Royals relied heavily on the consistent play of their right side hitter, Noel Sablan when the going got tough. His defensive play kept the ball off the ground, and he was able to get up to get some kills of his own. In the fourth set, he laid down some energetic hits and was able to find a new energy despite the lengthened game.
Sablan dedicated the game to the anniversary of the passing of their mentor, Morgan Crisostomo.
“Every game is emotional because it’s all dedicated to her. This was her favorite sport and we had that energy from her, and we channeled it from her,” said Sablan.
With this game behind them, the Royals now look to challenge the undefeated Tiyan Titans.
“We’re just gonna stick to our gameplan and practice hard” said Martinez.
“Practice hard,” added Cruz.
“We need to come together and just work hard,” finished Sablan.
The Royals will aim to extend their streak against the Titans on Friday while the Sharks get a shot at redemption against the visiting Panthers on Friday as well.


GPS Sports Calendar
January 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Events for December
31st
Events for January
1st
Events for January
2nd
Events for January
3rd
Events for January
4th
Events for January
5th
Events for January
6th
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
Events for January
7th
Events for January
8th
Events for January
9th
Events for January
10th
Events for January
11th
Events for January
12th
Events for January
14th
Events for January
15th
Events for January
16th
Events for January
17th
Events for January
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
21st
LIFT HEAVY + LIFT FAST – BFF SERIES
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for January
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for January
24th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for January
25th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for January
26th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for January
27th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
GLORIFIED SPARRING X
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
28th
5K DASH FOR ASH
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for January
29th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 1
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL
Events for January
30th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for January
31st
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL

Running/Track
’23 TRACK SEASON OPENS

Basketball
TAKUMI SIMON MAKING THE BEST OF PRO LIFE

Volleyball
H.S. BEACH VOLLEYBALL IN FULL SWING
COMING SOON …
- 3rd Quarter Sports