Middle school boys’ volleyball participated in the Korean International School Activities Conference (KISAC) tournament at DIS on March 1 and 2. The Jets invited four schools: North London Collegiate School Jeju (NLCS), St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju (SJAJ), Korea International School Jeju (KISJ), and Busan Foreign School (BFS) to Daegu. After the intense weekend, both varsity and JV earned a bronze.

The first day started with disappointment as SJAJ crushed DIS set one (25-6) and set two (25-10). Strong serves and spikes from the Hilltoppers easily broke through the Jets’ defense.

Regardless of the loss, the squad prepared for round two against KISJ. Lian Seok (number 64) led a 10-2 run with his laser-focused service aces. Despite the huge lead, the boys gave away the first set (25-22). DIS hoped for revenge but failed as the Dragons snatched victory (25-19). Ace middle Alex Seo’s (number 7) ankle and knee injuries hindered his performance.

Then the Jets faced NLCS for the third match of the round-robin. The first set showcased chaos as the crew dealt with miscommunication. Ultimately, the Orcas came out on top (25-18). In the second set, the boys got their heads screwed on straight and tied the game 1-1 (25-22). “We were really desperate to win the game. It was tough, and I think we were able to show something as a team,” said Matthew Park, 8th grade varsity outside hitter. Unfortunately, they crumbled under pressure and suffered the loss (15-4).

For the last game of day one, DIS squared off against BFS. The players took the lead in the first (25-18) but got shaky in the second (25-15). Even with the difficulties, the Jets kept their heads up and defeated the Sharks in the third set (15-4).

As a result, NLCS, BFS, and DIS ended with the same outcome (1 win / 3 losses). However, the point differential rule placed the Jets last.

Day two started with a clash for the ticket to the semis: the Jets met the Orcas. The first set went neck and neck. However, serve mistakes and poor tip covers contributed to another loss (25-23). “I think some of the kids were quite disrespectful during the game. Before anyone served, they shouted, ‘The serve is out!’ or things that bothered our team,” said Alex Jang, 8th grade varsity right side. 

After a short motivational speech from Coach Jolly, the crew dominated the Orcas in the second set (25-17). Precise hits and smart tips, alongside clear passes, made the change. The Jets continued to rev up in set three. Alex Seo (number 7) broke the intense point rally with a powerful middle spike as Alex Jang (number 14) finished the game with a service ace. DIS proved their tenacity and secured their spot in the semis (16-14). 

In the semis, the squad entered the court against the projected champions, SJAJ. Jason McAteer’s (number 30) sharp angles and Alex Seo’s tight defense put DIS in the lead. However, the Hilltoppers, with several members from the youth national team, stood tall and strong, impossible to break through. The match ended with a loss of 2-0 (25-18, 25-9).

The A team vied for third in a rematch against BFS, which they easily won 2-0 (25-14, 25-21). Coach Jolly said, “The varsity team grew a lot during the tournament. I think that I tried a bunch of different styles of coaching; being kind, encouraging, and sometimes mean. But honestly, when the boys got into it, they were unbeatable. Overall, the tournament went really well, and I’m proud of the boys that came in third.”

The B team performed satisfactorily on day one. JV placed third in the bracket with two wins and two losses. On day two, the crew fell short on the road to the finals against KISJ due to physical disadvantages. For the medal face-off, they played against NLCS. After a tie in the first two sets, the squad finally broke through in the third set (15-11) and won another bronze for DIS. 

DIS showcased great improvement over the weekend. Players thanked Mrs. Jolly’s dedication and support throughout the season. The incoming freshmen look forward to their high school career.

Gallery • 9 Photos

Grace Cho

Hans Park (number 28) dives to dig up a spike. The hustle allows the setter to toss up a set for the hitters.