By Sung-Eun Song, SCIS
The International varsity boys volleyball team outlasted the Christian Learning Center
The Griffins came out strong in the first set. They jumped to an early 5-0 lead with continuous attack from senior Francisco Gonzales. Francisco provided a solid threat against the Eagles, never ceasing his aggressive spiking. He delivered the ball with speed and accuracy, greatly contributing to the Griffins’ early dominance. When the score reached at 8-3 in favor of the Griffins, the Eagles called out a timeout. After the timeout, the Eagles seemed much more decisive and well-organized than before. Although they couldn’t catch up the big margin, they performed a balanced, unified game with all players pulling their maximum weight. Jesse Mann, one of the outstanding attackers of the Eagles, led the solid front offense with a constant spiking. He made many reliable digs as well as several kills, encouraging the Eagles. In spite of this effort of the Eagles, the Griffins maintained their lead and even widened the score gap by 21-6. Finally the first set ended at 25-12, giving the Griffins the first set.
In the second set, the Griffins seized control again, but this time it was not a big-margin lead but instead only a few-point lead. The Griffins managed to maintain their slight advantage but the Eagles eagerly caught up, tying the score several times, 2-2, 3-3, 7-7 and 8-8. However, at the point where the score was evened at 8-8, the Griffins took a quick three point lead. They began to build the momentum and soon dominated the game. Santiago Maldonado and Juan Sebastian were the key factors of the Griffins’ dominance in the second set. Their tactical attack and steady defense continuously increase the score gap, ensuring the Griffins’ victory. The Eagles standouts were Wesley Antonio Ordonez and Cesar Flores. Long and harsh rallies continued and the score reached 17-14. At this point Juan Sebastian was serving for the International and he made three consecutive aces, widening the gap to 20-14. The Griffins steadily maintained their advantage and finally won the second set 25-17.
Jaguars Easily Subdue Knights 2-0
By Manuel Saavedra, SCCS
The Cooperative boys varsity volleyball team managed to overcome Cambridge in two straight sets -- 25-13 and 25-19 -- in a Tuesday afternoon clash at the Jaguar gym.
Even though the Knights put up a much better fight in the second set, the Jaguars controlled the game without too many complications.
In the first set, the Jaguars maintained control with their precise serves and hard spikes. Rodrigo Adriazola exuded confidence in one of his main strengths, the serve. With it, he was able to score several points in a row for the Jaguars. In a short time, the Jaguars went in front 23-8, and seemed to have the first set wrapped up.
Then, suddenly the Jaguars lost their focus for a moment and the Knights took advantage by scoring five rapid points. But the Jaguars got back on track and sealed their victory in the first set, winning 25-13.
In the second set, the Cooperative boys played with calm confidence now that they had won the first set. Even so, at the beginning the score kept really close as the Knights seemed to realize that by putting their best effort, they could turn things around.
 |
| A Cambridge player prepares to block a Jaguar spike. Photo by Rocky Canelas. |
Unfortunately for the Knights, they weren’t able to surpass the Jaguars, who started to get the score under control. The last time the Knights were close was when they trailed by only three points at 15-12 during the middle of the second set.
At the end of the game, the Knights started to lose concentrate, while the Jaguars became more focused, and finally took the second set 25-19.
The Jaguars will now get a chance to challenge International for the top spot in the League next week. The Jaguars are now 3-1 on the year, while International is 4-0.
