FD VOLLEYBALL MOVES TO 10-0, DOWNS TIYAN

By Sapphire Aflleje

The Father Duenas Friars continued their undefeated season Friday night with a thrilling 25-18, 25-23, 19-25, 16-25, 15-10 victory over the Tiyan Titans in one of the more exciting matches of the IIAAG/ISA High School Boys Volleyball season. Played at the FD Jungle Gym, the match was filled with momentum swings, long rallies, and a high-intensity atmosphere that showcased the determination of both teams from start to finish.

It’s been a mad dash to the playoffs this past week as the top three teams in the league have gone head-to-head – FD, St. John’s Knights and Tiyan.

In the opening set, Tiyan started with a small lead, but the Friars quickly answered back behind strong offense from Kole Guerrero, Saul Bamba and Jace Aguon. Nathan Aguigui kept the Titans competitive with aggressive attacking, but FD stayed composed and controlled the tempo to take Set 1, 25-18.

Set 2 remained close from start to finish as both teams traded momentum through strong defense and key blocks. Antonio Egurrola and Aguon stepped up at the net for the Friars, while Aren Hoffman’s serving kept pressure on the Friars. Despite late errors, FD held on and secured a 25-23 win after an ace from Talon Quinata sealed the set.

The Titans responded in Set 3 with strong energy, using back-to-back blocks from Ean Cruz and consistent kills from Hoffman, Aguigui and Travis Barcinas to shift momentum. Although the Friars fought to stay within reach through strong net play from Bamba and Egurrola, Tiyan maintained control and won the set 25-19.

Tiyan carried its momentum into Set 4, jumping out to an early 6-1 lead behind aggressive serving and attacking. Bamba sparked small runs for the Friars, but serving errors and inconsistent passing slowed FD’s comeback attempts. Aguigui and Hoffman continued to pressure the Friars’ defense as the Titans closed the set 25-16 to force a deciding fifth set.

In the final set, the Friars came out with intensity and built a 5-0 lead behind strong net play from Egurrola, Bamba, and Angelo Budasi. Guerrero kept the offense balanced while Aguon added key kills to extend the lead. Tiyan battled back behind strong serves from Ean Cruz and attacks from Aguigui, cutting the deficit late, but FD stayed composed. 

Bamba finished the match with the game-winning kill, securing the set and keeping the Friars undefeated.

Following the victory, players of the game Guerrero and Aguon reflected on the importance of staying disciplined and composed after another demanding week, including a hard-fought five-set win over the St. John’s Knights earlier in the week. Both emphasized that maintaining focus and avoiding complacency will be key as the Friars continue their push toward yet another championship.

STANDINGS (prior to Friday night games)

FD 9-0

St. John’s 8-1

Tiyan 8-1

Notre Dame 6-3

JFK 5-4

Harvest 5-5

GW 5-5

Sanchez 4-4

Okkodo 3-5

Southern 2-6

Guam High 2-7

St. Paul 1-8

GACS 0-8

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