KANEKATSU POWERS ISLANDERS PAST BULLDOGS

By Shania Bulala

In a much-anticipated showdown in the ISA Girls Volleyball League, the JFK Islanders triumphed over the Okkodo Bulldogs in a thrilling four-set battle 26-24, 18-25, 25-23, 25-18 Tuesday evening at the JFK gymnasium. The game was filled with intensity from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination.

Senior middle blocker Aika Kanekatsu played a crucial role in the Islanders’ victory, dominating at the net with a game-high 12 kills and five blocks. Her relentless efforts on both offense and defense helped fuel her team to a hard-fought win, solidifying her presence as a key player for the Islanders.

“Coming into this game tonight, I knew we needed to keep the momentum up. My goal was to cheer my teammates on because, as a team, I know we all feed off of that energy.”

– JFK senior Aika Kanekatsu

1st SET

The Islanders set the tone early, jumping out to a 6-3 lead over the Bulldogs. Kanekatsu was an immediate threat, contributing three kills in the opening set alone.

Despite trailing for most of the set, the Bulldogs refused to back down. Okkodo libero Layla Sablan led her team’s defensive effort, relentlessly chasing down every ball. The Bulldogs managed to tie the game 18-18 after trailing behind for nearly the entire set. At this point, it became a battle of endurance and focus, with both teams trying to minimize errors. The Bulldogs took a 21-19 lead, prompting a timeout from the Islanders coach.

Off the bench, Islanders Mylie Navarro proved to be effective and immediately made an impact with two consecutive kills from the left side. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the set reached a 24-24 tie. Ultimately, the Islanders’ offensive firepower was too much for the Bulldogs, as JFK took the first set 26-24.

2nd SET

Now down by one set, the Bulldogs knew they had to bite back. Both teams fought hard, rallying back and forth for each point. The Bulldogs surged ahead, building a 14-9 lead, thanks in large part to the leadership of captain Rihanna Estoy, who played a pivotal role in maintaining their advantage. Estoy recorded four kills and six aces for the Bulldogs.

The Islanders didn’t go down easily, fighting to capitalize on every Bulldog mistake. JFK’s Kanekatsu led her team with a determined effort on offense and defense, challenging every Bulldog hit at the net. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs’ teamwork and communication paid off, and they took the second set 25-18, evening the match.

3rd SET

Tension was high with the sets tied 1-1. The Bulldogs started strong with a 7-4 lead, but the Islanders were determined to keep fighting. Both teams battled fiercely for every point, with Bulldogs middle blocker Cherise Conner playing a crucial role at the net, contesting every kill attempt. Conner contributed a total of six kills and three blocks for her team.

But JFK clawed back to take the lead 16-14, but the Bulldogs responded, regaining the advantage at 19-18. The set was intense back-and-forth action, with both teams putting their hearts on the line. In the end, the Islanders edged out the Bulldogs, taking the third set 25-23 in a thrilling finish.

4th SET

With a 2-1 set lead, the Islanders aimed to close out the match. They quickly built a 9-6 lead and used that momentum to extend it to 13-7. Kanekatsu continued to shine, putting on a stellar performance at the net.

“There is always going to be room for improvement. There are a lot of things my team and I need to fix, and I know that we can become a better team together. Our team goal is to improve together and hopefully play in the championship,” said Kanekatsu.

The Islanders steadily pulled away, widening their lead to as much as 10 points. With their confidence soaring, they clinched the set and match 25-18.

In the Junior Varsity matchup, JFK swept Okkodo 25-14, 25-14. The Islanders improved their record to 2-0, while the Bulldogs dropped to 1-1.

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