ROYALS RIDING HIGH, MOVE TO 6-0

By Shania Bulala

The Notre Dame Royals held on to their undefeated record after a hard-fought five-set win 25-20, 20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 15-10 over the Sanchez Sharks in the ISA/IIAAG Boys Volleyball League Friday night. Both teams played with intensity from start to finish, keeping the crowd on their feet in what turned out to be one of the most exciting matches of the season. With this win, the Royals stay on top as the number one team in the league.

The Royals victory was a true team effort, anchored by their big three—Caleb Pereda, Daryl Peredo, and Timothy Gumataotao. Pereda led with a game-high 10 kills, Peredo added nine, and Gumataotao contributed five kills and three blocks.

Game Flow

From the opening serve, it was clear that this would be a high-intensity match-up. The Sharks came out strong in the first set, immediately putting the Royals defense to the test. They capitalized on early mistakes and built a 13-8 lead, forcing the Royals coach to call a timeout. It was at this point that the Royals began to regain control. With two clutch aces from the ND’s Kaden Cruz, the Royals closed the gap and eventually overtook the lead at the 17th point. With momentum shifting, the Royals closed out the first set 25-20.

The second set proved to be a much tighter affair. Both teams traded points with impressive consistency, but the Sharks’ offensive firepower—particularly from Redlee Tigilmai and Phil Rodman—began to shine.

A key kill from Pereda briefly gave the Royals the lead at 17-16, but Sanchez responded with resilience and managed to pull ahead, taking the second set 25-20 and evening the match at one set apiece.

The third set was perhaps the most dramatic of the night. The Sharks once again gained an early advantage, stretching their lead to 14-8, the largest margin of the match up to that point. However, the Royals refused to back down. Behind strong leadership and timely plays from their setter, Takoda Piper, ND clawed their way back into the set. A pivotal kill from Peredo tied the score at the 15th point, allowing for the Royals to eventually take the lead.

Although the Sharks nearly clinched the set at 23-20, the Royals stayed composed, tying it at 24 and ultimately finishing 26-24. Leading in sets 2-1.

The fourth set was dominated by the Sharks offensive power. With renewed energy, they took advantage of ND’s inconsistencies and rode the momentum of outside hitter Raynard Lazarus, who delivered five kills in that set alone. The Sharks led 23-18 and never looked back, winning the set 25-18 and forcing a decisive fifth set.

In the final set, both teams approached the court with a heightened sense of urgency. The Royals gained an early edge, leading 11-7, but a service error gave possession back to the Sharks. Emotions ran high, and the tension in the gym was palpable, especially after a yellow card was issued to the Sharks’ bench. Despite another strong showing from Sanchez’s Lazarus, ND remained focused and decisively sealed the match 15-10.

In what was easily one of the most intense matches of the season, the Royals demonstrated why they remain the top team in the league.

“My team played well, but I know we could have played at a higher level. We started off very slow in the first two sets, but we did it through trust and managed to pull off the win,” said Peredo.

“This win was very rewarding, but we’re not done,” reflected Peredo. “We’re expecting to get back in the gym, work hard, and hopefully in the next few weeks, win the championship.”

As the season approaches the midway mark, the Royals have made one thing clear – they are ready for whatever comes next.

FRIDAY NIGHT SCORES

Notre Dame def. Sanchez 25-20, 20-25, 26-24, 18-25, 15-10

FD def. St. John’s in five sets

JFK def. Okkodo 25-14, 25-16, 25-21

Tiyan def. Guam High 25-14, 25-20, 26-24

GW def. Southern 25-23, 25-15, 25-20