FRIARS EASILY HAND EAGLES FIRST LOSS

In a rematch of last season’s IIAAG/ISA Boys Volleyball League championship game, the FD Friars defeated the Harvest Eagles in straight sets 26-24, 25-20, 25-21 on Monday night at the Harvest gym.

The Friars, led by head coach Steve Pangelinan, improved to 2-0 as they begin their quest for an eighth consecutive title. Antonio Egurrola, who secured the final point in all three sets for FD, said the team is focusing on seasonal progression rather than the pressure of the streak. “It’s a privilege to have that pressure, but we really don’t feel it,” Egurrola said. “Although we lost some key seniors from last year, we don’t feel any pressure at all.”

The Eagles started strong on their home court, establishing an early 4-1 lead behind a kill and a block from Andre Welles. Harvest continued to challenge the taller Friar squad, leading 18-14 following kills by Isaac Dungca and Koah Reyes.

The Friars rallied to force a deuce at 24-24. Setter Kole Guerrero found power hitters Jace Aguon and Zaiden Mendiola to push the opening set to the limit. Following an Eagle error, the Friars claimed the set 26-24 on an ace by Egurrola.

Guerrero’s accurate setting managed the offense to secure the sweep, with Aguon leading the way with 11 kills. “Coming into this match, we were missing two key players in Saul Bamba and Dom Cruz,” Aguon said. “With them out, we all needed to step up.” Aguon added that while it is a long season, the team must improve its communication to function as one unit by the end of the year.

Egurrola finished the night with six kills, an ace, and two blocks, while Mendiola added five kills and two blocks for the defending champions. The Eagles dropped to 3-1 despite strong performances from Reyes and Dungca, who contributed 11 kills each.

Both teams return to action on April 10th. Harvest will host the Okkodo Bulldogs, while the Friars host Guam High.

In the junior varsity matchup, the Friars defeated the Eagles in three sets: 25-11, 24-26, 25-19.

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