Last October 12, 2005 the Xavier volleyball varsity team played made its entrance to the finals of the Interscholastic Sports Association (ISSA) volleyball tournament for the first time. The neck to neck race to three of five sets between Xavier School and Faith Academy took place at Faith Academy ’s gymnasium and it proved to be one of the most exciting games in the said tournament. Even with Xavier settling for second place, the team had nothing to be ashamed of for they have fought well to the end.

      Xavier started out strongly in the opening and closed the first set at 25-23. However, Faith would not be easily shaken as its players held on to the game and forced the second set to stretch beyond the 25 mark. Eventually, its players’ efforts paid off as they bagged the second set, 25-27.

      The third set seemed to be a completely different story. Xavier team appeared to have lost its focus that Faith managed a six to nothing lead. At that point, Coach Albert Hao pulled out 5 of his players, replaced all of them, and did not let them go back until the end of the third set, which Faith easily took away, 9-25.

      With only a set away from the win, Faith marched into the court for the fourth set. Xavier players on the other hand seemed to have recovered from what Coach Albert called a “mental lapse,” the Xavier Stallions came back and survived the set with a 25-19 win that brought the game to 2-2 situation.

      Proving that they are worthy contenders, the Xavier spikers brought the game to a heart-stopping fifth and final set. Nearing the 15th point, Xavier was behind by a few points, but with its players’ efforts, they were able to tie the set at 14. Needing two points to win, both teams and their supporters held on to their breath. In the end, it was Faith Academy who prevailed, 14-16.

      Despite the heart-breaking loss, the Xavier team was warmly welcomed back to their home court where their proud teachers and schoolmates awaited.

      The team presented the ISSA 1 st runner-up trophy to Mrs. Jane Cacacho, High School Principal, last October 18, 2005 during the general assembly.

A Great Achievement Nonetheless

Richard Uy (H4C), Xavier Volleyball Team Captain

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