3RD QUARTER SPORTS READY TO GET GOING

By Shania Bulala

As the new year begins, so does a new quarter of high school sports. This quarter is one of the busiest for sports fans and will showcase rugby, tennis, beach volleyball, softball, and boys basketball. Games are set to kick off within the next two weeks.

The Academy Cougars and Father Duenas Friars have been known to dominate in every single sport (besides tennis). Both programs are looking poised to continue the legacy.

SOFTBALL
Defending Champions- Academy Cougars

The Cougars are expecting to defend their crown once again led by Mylie Butters, Kaia Chiguina, Sadie Guerrero and Mariana Terlaje.

“We are anticipating a highly competitive league this year. With the rise in middle school softball within the public sector, we hope to see this sport come alive again and maintain high level playing for the years to come,” (Academy head coach Marissa Maratita-Matanane).

Other key players expected to make a return this season include Makayla Gilbert (Okkodo Bulldogs) and Aleia Alcantara (GW Geckos). Both were named All-Island 1st Team last season.

FIRST GAMES: Tuesday, Jan. 27th

RUGBY
Girls Defending Champions- Academy Cougars
Boys Defending Champions- Father Duenas Friars

While the Cougars graduated a strong senior class (most of whom now play rugby at the collegiate level), they still field a strong roster led by returnees Aliyah-Grace Riffey, Dari-raye Guzman (this year’s captain), and Kylie Reyes.

While many big names across rosters from last season have graduated, fans can still expect to see a competitive presence from teams such as the Southern Dolphins, ND Royals, and Simon Sanchez Sharks.
Familiar power programs such as the FD Friars and GW Geckos are expected to lead the competition once again. The Friars aim to extend their dominant run to try and capture a sixth straight championship title and this season’s squad is expected to be led by football defensive MVP Javin Meno.

The Geckos will return with force behind last season’s MVP and GSPN High School Athlete of the Year Rayn Rios.

FIRST MATCHES: Saturday, Jan. 24th

TENNIS
Defending ISA Boys Champions- Guam Adventist Academy
Defending ISA Girls Champions- JFK Islanders

The girls competition will look slightly different this year with the absence of GAA Angels superstar Charlotte Oh. Oh, who is the 3x girls singles tennis champion, graduated high school early and leaves the title up for grabs. The future looks bright for JFK Islanders sophomore Leah San Agustin (Oh’s All-Island opponent last season) who is set to be the upcoming headliner this year. Twin sister Rachel will also be a force for the Islanders. In fact, Rachel beat Leah in last year’s Billie Jean King trials.

For the boys side, the title appears to be up for grabs as well following the departure of GAA powerhouse duo Wyatt Oh, (graduated), and Joshua Jung, (moved off island). With the absence of the two standouts, the title for the boys tennis remains wide open. Guam national player Jeren Devera (Guam High sophomore student playing for GAA) is anticipated to take this year’s boys competition by storm.

FIRST MATCHES: Tuesday, Jan 20th

BOYS BASKETBALL
Defending Champions- Father Duenas Friars

The ISA Boys basketball league is set for another exciting season. With five of the six of last year’s first team all-island selection having graduated, this season will showcase a new set of talent.

The Friars will enter the season as the early favorites being the defending champs, led by seniors Colin Baker and Phoenix Borja. However, there are several teams that are also expected to contend for the title, including the St. Paul Warriors, JFK Islanders, Southern Dolphins and the GW Geckos.

Each program returns key players such as Bless Aisek (St.Paul), Darwin Ecijan (JFK), Matthew Quinata (Southern), Jace Dela Cruz (GW), and Jarret Ko (FD).

FIRST GAMES: Tuesday, Jan. 27th

BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Defending Girls Champions- Academy Cougars
Defending Boys Champions- Harvest Eagles

As one of the newest sports added to the IIAAG sports schedule, more teams have entered this season resulting in a more competitive field.

The Cougars championship duo of Landen DeVera and Carmen Eugenia are both expected to make a return this season.

On the boys side, we can expect to see FD Friars’ Jace Aguon and Kole Guerrero aim for redemption at the title after falling short in last year’s championship match against the Eagles duo of Jace Keith and Devin Paulin (both have graduated).