EAGLES, FRIARS SET FOR CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The rematch is set! Get ready for a showdown in the 2023 IIAAG Boys Volleyball League Championship game once again between the Harvest Eagles and the FD Friars.

The Eagles defeated the fourth-seed Notre Dame Royals in four sets 25-20, 22-25, 25-17, 25-21 to set up the rematch with FD. The three-time defending champion FD Friars, the second seed, won in straight sets 25-18, 25-14, 32-30 over the third-seed St John’s Knights.

Brian Xia led the Eagles with 10 kills to help set up the championship showdown on Monday at the UOG Field House.

After dropping the second set, Xia said his team needed to keep their composure to avoid the upset. “We just needed to keep up our intensity and don’t get too complacent,” said Xia.

“They (ND Royals) have always been a strong serving and passing team. They have a deep roster,” said Xia. Xia said his team had to adjust by moving their rotation and subbing in different players to keep a good flow of the game.

“Their serves were especially tough tonight. They had jump serves explode that had down ball flows. Also, the blockers played a good game tonight,” said Xia. 

ND’s Masato Rabago had a big game for the Royals with a game-high 17 kills. Rabago, a sophomore, had multiple highlight kills helping ND push the game to four sets.

ND’s Timothy Gumataotao contributed seven kills. The Royals had nine total aces for the contest, Rabago had three, and Isaac Limtiaco served two.

Jack Keith had seven kills for the Eagles. Calvin Laxamana and Traven Kaae each had six kills. It was a team effort win for the Eagles with setter Christian Shinohara distributing sets to all sides of the court. 

Championship Game on Monday

Monday will be another IIAAG rematch between the Eagles and Friars. The difference is, this year, the Eagles are a higher seed and have defeated the Friars in the regular season. Both teams are 1-1 against each other in the season but the Eagles have a better record.

“The past two years, we’ve lost to them (FD) in the finals. We are looking to change that and make a statement and finally get a win.”

– Harvest Eagles Brian Xia

“Our passing has to be tight (on Monday). They are a really strong team, so we can’t miss any serves and be consistent,” added Xia. 

The consolation third place game will be between the Royals and the Knights on Friday at St. John’s at 6 pm.

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