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By Kolby Chang
The JFK Islanders knocked off the Okkodo Bulldogs 25-15, 25-21 in the IIAAG Girls’ Volleyball League Saturday night at the JFK gym. The Islanders’ record now stands at an unblemished 2-0, while the Bulldogs dropped to 1-1.
Islanders’ team captain Kristin Sapp attributed the victory to communication and sharp passing. “I’m really glad and proud of everyone on our team,” Sapp said. “I think it’s going to be a good season. It’s competitive and I like it.”
The Islanders bursted out to a quick 3-0 lead after Marissa Aguon threw down a kill and Savannah Mafnas delivered two consecutive aces. The Bulldogs, however, countered and managed to tie the set at 4-apeice off of an ace from Lori Okada. The visiting team kept their momentum going off of some precise serving by Okada and built a three point lead.
The home team kept their composure and chipped away at the lead until Kaitlin Blaz’s ace tied the set at 7. Alison Bowman knocked the ball past the Bulldogs’ defense and put the Islanders on top again. From there the home team appeared to be in a groove as the Islanders’ superb passing paved the way for several kills.
Sapp hammered down a thunderous kill to make the score 15-8 and the Bulldogs had no answer for the Islanders’ offense. Another kill from the team captain put the Islanders up 23-14 and a Bulldogs’ error ended the set.
The Bulldogs opened the second set like a team on a mission and displayed their grit by building a 4-2 lead over the Islanders thanks to some dynamite serving from Tara Montgomery. Just as they did in the first set the Islanders, however, did not fold and responded with some stout offense from Sapp. Sapp’s ace made the score 11-5 and it looked as if the Islanders were cruising again.
The visiting team did not give in and fought back to keep the set close. An error by the Islanders tied the set at 19 but few plays later Sapp fired off two more aces to make the score 23-19. A Bulldogs’ error put the game at match point and Sapp delivered the final blow to seal the win.
OTHER GAMES
St. Paul def. Harvest 25-7, 25-19
Sanchez def. St. John’s 30-28, 25-21
GW def. Guam High 25-20, 25-22: The Geckos were lead by Maricia Mariano with 2 kills, 3 aces, and 17 digs. Helping the Geckos were Jasmine Algmoguera with 2 kills, 2 aces, and 3 blocks and Colleen Quinata with 3 aces, 3 blocks, and one kill. The Panther’s Haani Limtiaco had 8 kills and Tiffani Unsiog with 21 digs. GW also won the JV game 25-11, 25-15.
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