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Pacific SportsBlogOkinawa-based sports reporter Dave Ornauer on military-related sports in the Far East. |
Falcons M&M Girls exit with strong Class AA finish
Posted November 11th, 2007 by Dave OrnauerIf that's the last we've seen of seniors Avianca Manning and Kristina Queen and sophomore Gabriella Matautia (Hawai'i next year) on a volleyball court, they gave Seoul American a lot to remember.
Only a semifinal loss to eventual champion Christian Academy In Japan marred an almost otherwise-perfect slate for the Falcons during the week-long Class AA tournament on Guam.
Gutting out a sore right ankle suffered in Friday's semifinal defeat, Manning got it taped up and went back out there and helped pace the Falcons past Academy of Our Lady of Guam in straight sets.
Not exactly revenge for the 1999 championship match defeat the Falcons suffered, also at Academy's hands on Guam. But good enough for a bronze medal, coach Denny Hilgar's best finish since that 1999 heartbreaker.
M&M Will be Sorely Missed
I loved watching Manning and Matuatia compete...they were a joy to watch. I know that G. Matuatia is only beginning to realize her full potential. I look forward to following her career as she heads off to Hawaii...Congratulations Falcons on a job well done...top three in a field of 19 is still a tremendous accomplishment.
Recent Article
Great article on the Kadena/Seoul programs Dave, but let's not forget that those schools are winning the titles because the International Schools were forced out of the competition. When ASIJ and St. Mary's were in those competitiions, nobody touched them. Maybe it's time we explore getting them back in to have more competition...
International Schools were in the Tournament
The International schools did particiapte in this years tournament. Give credit where credit is due.
Mistaken
Sorry, but you are wrong. The international schools (ASIJ, CAJ, St. Mary's, Seisen, Faith, etc.) have not been allowed to Far East events that are not split into large and small schools (Tennis, CrossCountry, Wrestling) since winter of 2005. DODDS cited the difficulty of venues and facilities as the reason. I know because I was hosting Far East Wrestling when the doodoo hit the fan.
ASIJ placed 5th in the far
ASIJ placed 5th in the far east volleyball competition and CAJ placed first. and Seisen was in it last year.
Correct
Yes, the International schools do participate in the Far East events in which there are large and small school competitions. They do not participate in the FE events where there is no seperation based on school size (Tennis, XC, and Wrestling are the only 3 w/o a large/small school breakdown). However I can understand where you're coming from as I posted this comment in a thread about the Volleyball tourney. But, in my first comment I talked about XC and Tennis article that Dave wrote. Kadena and Seoul are cleaning house in these two competitions these days, but that's because of the lack of competition from ASIJ and company. This Blog is a great way for us all to communicate, keep it up Dave and don't shun wrestling (forgotten sport of the winter season :) .
Speaking for myself
This is manning :) good luck next year!!!