JFK TAKES DOWN GECKOS AT RENOVATED GW GYM

By Aloha Alisasis

In a highly awaited face off in the ISA Girls Volleyball League, the JFK Islanders swept the GW Geckos who are playing back in their home gymnasium since 2021 in a intense four-set battle 27-25, 25-15, 17-25, 25-21 Tuesday evening.

This is the first season back in their home gym for the Geckos after borrowing other gyms in the last three years while their gym got an facelift with a new air conditioning system, new paint and repaired cracks.

With her passion for volleyball, senior captain and middle blocker Aika Kanekatsu was a key aspect in the Islanders’ victory, dominating at the net with 11 kills and six blocks. Her determination on both offense and defense was a big help to push her team leading to their victory, setting her contribution as a powerful player for the islanders.

“It was a very close score but all our team had to do was just push through it, fight, and not give up even if we were down, we just have to motivate each other. I think that the first set we did really well, that’s why I’d say my job as a captain and as a teammate is to really motivate my team and to remind them to not take any teams lightly,” Kanekatsu said.

1st set
The first set of the game between the islanders and geckos was highly competitive, with both teams showing their strong defense and offense. The game remained tied early on, with Islanders key player Kanekatsu being an immediate threat contributing two blocks and a kill with the help of three kills by Franchesca Aguilar.

In spite of trailing most of the set, the geckos chose to not back down. coming back with leading attacks of two kills each by Riley Trelta and Yenia Smartt, and with their libero Alexa Roberto maintaining solid defense as she keeps her eye on the ball.

GW held a 19-14 lead before JFK fought back to tie the set 20-20 and eventually secured the set with a 27-25 win.

2nd set
Now down by a set, the Geckos locked in and started strong with a 2-0 lead. A controversial referee call delayed the game, but a mutual agreement between the coaches and referees was made and the point was given to the geckos.

Despite the hold, the Islanders quickly responded, tying the game at 6-6. A tied game was on for a while as both teams were exchanging points until the score reached 12-10 in favor of the Geckos.

However, a series of powerful attacks from JFK’s Kanekatsu (3 kills), Ja’mey Mercado (kill), and Lorelei Strohmeyer (ace) regained the lead, pushing the score to 17-12.

Despite a timeout and efforts from the Geckos, the Islanders closed off the set yet again with strong blocks and serves.

3rd set
Tension was high as the set was 2-0. JFK brought their confidence as Mercado set the first point for the Islanders with a kill. The score stayed tight early with both teams continuing to exchange points.

As the Geckos built their momentum back up, pulling ahead 10-7, but the Islanders closed off the gap with kills from Kanekatsu and Elise Vitug, briefly taking the lead at 12-11.

However, the Geckos regained control, with key plays by Smartt and Roberto pushing the score to 20-15. Despite an ace by JFK’s Maria Paule, the Gecko supporters went wild cheering on their girls as they secured the set at 25-17 from Savannah Dela Rosa’s kills, forcing a fourth set for the night.

4th set
With a 2-1 lead, the Islanders aimed to close out the match for the night as the Geckos fought hard after winning the previous set, with their supporters cheering them on.

The Islanders quickly gained a 5-1 lead with strong plays from Strohmeyer, but the Geckos stayed motivated and blocked several attacks.

Despite this, the Islanders continued to dominate, with Kanekatsu’s contribution of blocks and kills pushing the score further to 14-6. The Geckos rallied and narrowed the gap to 18-16 with key plays from their Roberto and Ella-Joy Fejeran, not long after JFK regained the lead.

In the final moments, Kanekatsu secured the Islanders’ victory then again with three straight kills, clinching the set and match 25-21.

STANDINGS

JFK 4-0

Sanchez 4-0

GW 2-2

Southern 1-3

Okkodo 1-3

Tiyan 0-4

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