GECKOS STAND OUT IN UNBEATEN SHOWDOWN

By Mya Owens

The matchup between the undefeated GW Geckos and St. John’s Knights kept the crowd on the edge of their seats, with neither team having lost a set in the season coming into the match. Though the Knights played aggressive throughout, the Geckos took the victory 25-21, 22-25, 25-10, 25-21 Tuesday night at GW.

“We knew we needed to communicate, get every ball we could, play smart, and have a really uplifting energy,” Player of the Game, Zariah Besabe said.

Gecko Yenia Smartt contributed 9 kills, while Besabe added 4, helping their team secure the big win.

First Set
The Geckos took an early lead thanks to their instant communication, teamwork, and powerful hits from Besabe and Smartt. The game opened with intense rallies, as both teams fought hard for each point. However, a few out-of-bounds hits by the Geckos gave the Knights a chance to close the gap. For the Knights, Jia Peters contributed multiple aces at the service line, while teammate Amara Del Carmen added several strong attacks to help even the score. As the set neared the end, both teams exchanged errors, including serves into the net. With the score at 21–23, GW called a timeout and returned energized, taking the final two points to win the set.

Second Set
The Geckos struggled to find their momentum at the start of the set, committing multiple net violations and letting balls drop—mistakes that allowed the Knights to gain an early edge. Playing it safe, St. John’s relied on tips and sent GW several free balls.

The Geckos stayed in the game with Besabe’s powerful hits and Simina’s well-placed tips into St. John’s open spaces. Despite the Knights’ strong teamwork and consistent attacks, GW kept the score close, but Peters and Del Carmen came through with key kills and blocks to secure the set 25–22 for the Knights.

Third Set
Besabe set the tone for the Geckos with an opening kill. The Knights struggled with net errors and miscommunication, forcing an early timeout. The Geckos capitalized, building a 10-point lead through smart passing and consistent pressure. Although the Knights responded with powerful swings, GW’s energy and strong defense kept them in control. Despite a few late mistakes, the Geckos closed out the set convincingly, 25–10.

Fourth Set
The final set opened with both teams trading errors and keeping the score tight. The crowd fed off the intensity, especially during long rallies and plays interrupted by ceiling interference. Both sides found openings and executed perfect plays, though miscommunication disrupted the flow on each end. With the score close down the stretch, both teams called a timeout to regroup.

Playing with full effort and aggression, the intensity continued until Besabe’s decisive tip sealed the 25–21 victory for the Geckos.

“We hope to get better every game, move forward, and win the championship.” Besabe said.

JV GAME
Similar to their varsity team, the Geckos JV defeated the Knights with a convincing 25-15, 25-20 win.

OTHER GAMES

Sanchez def. Southern in 4 sets
St. Paul def. GACS 16-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-16
Academy def. Okkodo 25-22, 25-21, 27-25
Notre Dame def. Guam High 25-17, 25-13, 16-25, 25-22
GAA def. Tiyan 25-13, 25-12, 25-12

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