SHARKS, GECKOS TO BATTLE FOR ISA CROWN

By Matt Lorenzo

The 2024 ISA Girls Volleyball League championship game is all set with the top-ranked Sanchez Sharks and third-ranked GW Geckos moving on after semifinal wins Saturday night.

The Lady Geckos upset the JFK Islanders on their home court to stamp their ticket back to the championship for the first time since 2021, winning 25-27, 25-16, 25-7, 25-17.

Meanwhile, the star-studded Lady Sharks are back to defend their title after defeating the Okkodo Bulldogs 25-16, 26-24, 25-19.

Geckos upset Islanders
The #3 seed Geckos find themselves back in the championship game after defeating the #2nd seed Islanders in 4 sets.
After losing the first set to the Islanders, the Geckos came into the rest of the game and let everyone know they’re determined to go the championship, as expected from a Bobbie Quinata-coached squad.

There was no stopping this team especially after a stellar 25-7 display in the 3rd set.

Geckos Savannah Dela Rosa set herself apart consistently all game with impressive kills that shocked the fans as well as the Islanders defense, with floor general Marii Manipool setting up most of her kills with precision.

GW defensive trio Alexa Roberto, and Marii and Mea Manipool made some impressive saves and were all over the Islanders offense.

Sharks continue the streak
The top-seeded Sharks are back in the ISA championship after an electric three set win over the Bulldogs. The Lady Sharks trampled the regular season, finishing 10-0 and they have no plans to let the foot off the gas now.

The Sharks star studded roster went to work immediately with impressive shows of athleticism and IQ in Erin Clemena, Hazelle Derbai, and Breanna Simina.

The Bulldogs did not go down without a fight though taking the second set all the way to a deuce but eventually losing that as well.

League MVP Lyra Mugol also made her presence known with multiple demanding kills.

Championship Tuesday
The stage is set for the championship match Tuesday between the top-ranked Sharks and #3 Geckos at 7:30 pm at the UOG Calvo Field House. That is preceded by the Islanders and Bulldogs for 3rd place at 5:30 pm.

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