DOUBLE BLOCK -- Two Griffins go up to thwart spike launched
by Eagle Andre Larsen. Jonatan Muñoz, International
Griffins edge Eagles 2-1
By Trevor Reed
Christian Learning
The International varsity boys volleyball team narrowly defeated Christian Learning two sets to one in a dramatic match that could easily have gone either way.
Both teams started out well in the first set, with neither team establishing an advantage at the outset . The score went to 5-5 and then to 10-10 before the Griffins took off and left the Eagles in their dust with excellent serves and unblockable spikes. After a run of 15 points by the Griffins, they won the first set 25-10 and seemed prepared to roll up an easy victory.
The Eagles, however, had other plans. After falling behind 16-10, the Eagles finally broke loose on a 6 point streak that tied the score 16-16. For the rest of the set, every point was a battle, and both teams fought hard. The score went back and forth with neither team ever going ahead by more than 1 point. Soon the score was 23-23.
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POURING IT ON --
Griffin Eric "The Samurai" Takayama served for fifteen straight points to win the first set. Jonatan Muñoz, International
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The Griffins set the ball up and went for the spike, but it was blocked by Nick Smith, putting the Eagles ahead 24-23. One point later, the Eagles won the second set 25-23.
The third set was just as intense as the second. The Griffins pulled ahead 10-5, but the Eagles fought back and tied the score at 15-15. The two teams took turns taking the lead, but neither could put together the two point margin necessary to claim victory.
Finally, with one final burst of strength, the Griffins pulled ahead and won the set 19-17, giving them the match.
Eagle standouts included Caleb Ropp, Jesse Hallock, and Andre Larsen who used their height to dominate the net in the second set, but everyone who played had positive contributions.
The Griffins all had excellent serving, passing, and spiking for most of the game, which accounted for their dominance in the first set, and their hard-fought win over the Eagles.
Jaguars overpower Knights, 2-0
The Cooperative boys varsity basketball team began the defense of the championship it won last year with an easy win over Cambridge on the Jaguars home court.
Cooperative won in straight sets, taking the first set 25-17 and the second 25-9.
