COUGARS, EAGLES ADVANCE TO IIAAG FINALS

By Patrick Lujan

It’s a tale of two programs: one is used to championship glory, while the other never tasted even the opportunity.

The storied program of the Academy Cougars once again advances to the IIAAG Girls Volleyball League championship game after taking down their archrival Notre Dame Royals in the semifinals Tuesday night 25-16, 23-25, 25-14, 25-6.

Meanwhile, the upstart Harvest Eagles head to their first-ever championship game after taking out the St. John’s Knights 22-25, 25-12, 25-19, 25-16.

EAGLES MAKE HISTORY

The Harvest gym witnessed school history as the once-cellar dwelling Eagles have ascended to new heights.

It wasn’t a pleasant start, however, as the third-ranked Knights took the opening set 25-22.

“St John’s took advantage of our service errors and made strong plays to win the last three points to take the first set,” Harvest head coach Beth Ring said.

The Eagles regrouped and cruised to take the next three sets, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

“I was proud of our ladies’ resilience tonight,” coach Ring said. “They responded to the adversity of being down a set and really competed to take the next three for the match.”

Keisha Chen led the way for Harvest with 10 kills and four aces. Neisha Chen and Nala Belyshev both added seven kills in the Eagles attack. Juliet Ambrose had five of the Eagles 18 aces.

COUGARS CONTINUE UNBEATEN RUN

Academy is just one win away from a perfect season after taking out its long-time volleyball rivals. Notre Dame managed to steal the second set to make things interesting, but there was no stopping the Cougars from reaching their goal of playing in the championship game, especially after an emphatic 25-6 drubbing in the fourth set.

“Tonight we started a bit out of character,” Academy coach Manny Guarin said. “ND had a strong serving game and took us by surprise. But our team was resilient and able to make the necessary adjustments to come out with the tough win.”

Academy’s stars shined bright in the big game as Natasha Kelly delivered eight kills and Landen DeVera produced six kills and six aces. Maria Cruz had five kills and five aces, while floor general Ariana Cruz quarterbacked the Cougars with precision sets and added six aces as well.

CHAMPIONSHIP FRIDAY

The stage is set for championship Friday between the two top teams in the league.

Academy brings history and a vault filled with championships dating back to the late, great Ernie Abanes’ coaching days of the 1980s-90s. Current coach Guarin has made his own mark himself, going for championship No. 5. Not to mention, the Cougars are defending Far East champions as well.

“We expect the game against Harvest to also push us to our limits. The outcome is likely to be determined by the team that is more mentally prepared.”

As for the Eagles, it’s new territory with hopes of dethroning the volleyball queens at the top.

“We are excited to get the girls volleyball program’s first championship opportunity on Friday. The ladies have worked hard all year to earn this chance,” coach Ring said. “We can’t wait to get into the gym these next two days to prepare to compete against the Academy team that’s been the standard in our league. We will build on our momentum and seek to play our best match of the year.”

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