HARVEST GIRLS DIG UP BEACH VOLLEYBALL GOLD

The Harvest Eagles completed a perfect season, finishing undefeated in their respective pool and claiming the championship with a 2-1 victory over Academy Blue. Wind and rain turned the finals into a battle of endurance and composure, but Harvest stayed steady to secure the title.

Championship Set Scores

1’s – 21–18, 21–19 HARVEST
(Keisha Chen & Manea Camacho def. Alexia Delfin & Jyacinth Aleonac)

2’s – 27-25, 21-17 HARVEST
(Neisha Chen & Erica Cassidy def. Landen DeVera & Carmen Eugenia)

3’s – 21-19, 21-14 ACADEMY
(Lea Aromin & Jaedyn Punonbayang def. Juliet Ambrose & Keira Weakley)

3rd Place Match

GWHS and Academy White battled through the same harsh conditions, with strong winds affecting ball control and momentum.

1’s – 21-11 & 21-14 ACADEMY
(Ally Leon Guerrero & Alina Torres)

2’s – 21-11, 19-21 & 15-13 GWHS
(Caitlyn Aguon & Yenia Smartt)

3’s – 21-7 & 21-14 ACADEMY
(Megan Camacho & Summer Pinaula)

Academy White secured third place with decisive wins in the 1’s and 3’s. The 2’s match was the most competitive of the day. After dropping the first set 21-11, GWHS’s Caitlyn Aguon and Yenia Smartt regrouped and battled through longer rallies to take the second set 21–19.

The deciding set was tight throughout, with both teams trading points as fatigue and wind became increasingly difficult to maneuver. GW stayed composed and managed to close it out 15-13.

Championship Match

Academy took the early edge in the 3’s, as Lea Aromin and Jaedyn Punonbayang won in straight sets. Harvest responded in the 1’s, with Keisha Chen and Manea Camacho grinding out two close sets, 21-18 and 21-19, to even the overall match.

That left the championship to the 2’s. In a strategic move prior to the championship, both teams adjusted their lineups. Harvest’s Neisha Chen and Erica Cassidy faced Academy’s Landen DeVera and Carmen Eugenia in what became the deciding battle.

The first set was filled with long rallies and momentum swings, but Harvest stayed composed and sided out late in the set to take it 27-25. The second set tested both teams physically and mentally as wind and rain intensified, and after briefly trailing, Harvest regained control and closed it out 21-17 to secure the championship.

Harvest’s approach centered on discipline and composure. “Keeping our cool and reading the shots properly. And minimize our errors and play our best.” Erica said of their strategy going in. Communication was key, as she added, “Yeah, just keeping the positivity and keeping our voices loud instead of shutting down.” Neisha added, “I’m really proud of us and how hard we’ve worked this season. That first set we really had to stay calm and we did it.” 

Head Coach Ellie Weier, commented on their prep & performance. “We stayed in our routine, made sure they got good reps, and mentally came in with a strong mindset.” “I’m so proud of everything they’ve accomplished over the past four years. This is my last season with them, but I’m excited to watch them next year and see how far they can go, both as pairs in All-Island and as individual players.”

Coming Up Next

The boys will compete in the All-Island final four on Monday & Championship on Thursday, with the girls’ All-Island tournament approaching soon after. Harvest now shifts its focus from team success to individual pair competition as they look to continue their strong postseason run.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: