
By Brandon Kinsella
The Tiyan Titans climbed the IIAAG Boys Volleyball ranks after an impressive four set victory on their home floor against the Harvest Eagles (25-17, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22). The win was highlighted by an all-around performance from Tiyan outside hitter Neil Ericsson.

Wendy’s Player of the Game: Neil Ericsson had a big game on both offense and defense. Ericsson led his team throughout the final stretch and hit the game winning kill as the Titans defeated the Harvest Eagles in four sets. (Photo by Michael Blas)
The fourth and final set was highly competitive as both teams traded both points and momentum. Throughout the contest, Harvest had several instances where mental lapses got the best of them and Tiyan would capitalize on each of those moments down the stretch.
There was a period in the fourth set where Harvest began to develop a rhythm and shrunk a 17-13 deficit to eventually tie the game. It was a kill by Harvest’s Mason Caldwell that would spark a run to tie the game at 18 apiece.
Tiyan regrouped a few plays later and maintained composure, picking up back-to-back points after two long rallies. A kill by Tiyan’s Trever Martinez tied the game once more at 20, forcing Harvest to call a timeout.
The home crowd began to ramp up the intensity from there on out and would contribute to the game’s final outcome.
Tiyan Senior Neil Ericsson would come up big in the game’s final moments, converting on his team’s final three points off-of powerful kills. A brother to brother connection would be on display on the game winning play as Gary Ericsson setup Neil perfectly for a kill which would secure the victory as Tiyan won the fourth and final set 25-22.
Neil commented on what went through his mind on the kill that won them the game:
“I knew that my teammates were counting on me to come up big in those final moments and I didn’t want to let them down. We kept our composure and on the final play the pass was there, the set was great, and I was able to finish off the game,” said Ericsson.
Game Recap
Tiyan won the first set 25-17 after a set-winning block by Jericho Snaer.
The lone set that Harvest won came in the second and was highlighted by Harvest’s duo of Jacob Oshiro and Mason Caldwell. Oshiro finished the set with three kills and three blocks and Caldwell scored on five kills.
Harvest got off to a great start at the beginning of the third set and went on a 4-0 run. But placement errors and miscommunications would prevent Harvest from maintaining a lead and Tiyan would capitalize and finish in the fourth set.
Neil closed the interview talking about what the win means for him and his team saying:
“Props to Harvest, they are a very competitive team, definitely top tier in this league. And for us to be able to win in four sets is a boost of confidence for our team. I’m glad we were able to defend our home floor tonight and hopefully this momentum carries the rest of the season.”
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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
12th
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
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
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2K/5K
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
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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