TAS dominates Season 1 IASAS sports

The Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) sports competitions have returned after nearly three years of COVID-19 disturbances. Volleyball and cross country athletes traveled to the International School of Bangkok (ISB), and soccer athletes traveled to the International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL).
The varsity girls volleyball team placed first, defending its IASAS championship from 2019. This year, the team was led by captains Reese R. (鈥23, she/her), Catrina Y. (鈥23, she/her) and Chloe W. (鈥23, she/ her). The team went undefeated, making it through the tournament with a record of 6-0. 鈥淪eeing the camaraderie between our teammates and bonding with everyone was definitely one of the most notable things [about IASAS],鈥 Reese said. She believes the team is well-equipped in terms of leadership and hopes to see the team continue to thrive next year.
The varsity boys volleyball team placed first, winning their first gold since 2016. The game ended with three sets to TAS and two for ISKL. The team was led by captains Derek L. (鈥23 he/him), Evan L. (鈥23, he/him) and Justin L. (鈥23, he/him). 鈥淸Being able to go and] win IASAS is really unforgettable,鈥 Derek said. 鈥淭his year, we really proved that our team could improve in a short span of time.鈥 Derek believes that the boys volleyball program has a lot of potential and foresees several more championship victories in the future.
The varsity girls cross country team placed second, defending its position from the 2019 IASAS. The team of 12 was led by captains Enya T. (鈥23, she/ her) and Maddy C. (鈥23, she/her). The team placed second in the 5KM time trial and first in the 3K trail, finishing just two points behind first-place Singapore American School (SAS). Asia H. (鈥26, she/her), who placed third overall on the 3KM time trials, received All-Tournament recognition. Looking ahead, Enya thinks her team is ready to win gold at IASAS next year.
The varsity boys cross country team placed first, securing its first ever gold medal in the TAS cross country program鈥檚 history. In the 5KM time trial, TAS runners placed top first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, a feat never done before in IASAS history. The team was led by captains Guan C. (鈥23, he/him), Justin M. (鈥23, he/him) and Charlie H. (鈥24, he/him), who all earned All-Tournament recognition, a prestigious award given to the top seven runners in IASAS. 鈥淣o words can describe how proud I am of this team,鈥 Charlie said.
The varsity girls soccer team placed third this year. The team, led by captains Mana L. (鈥23, she/her) and Melissa R. (鈥23, she/her), lost the semifinal match by one goal to SAS. They went undefeated on the first day and had a record of 1-1 on the second day. After three years without IASAS, students were excited to travel again. 鈥淸Because of COVID-19], I never thought I was actually going to travel in my high school career. But the fact that we got to go this year was definitely the cherry on top of everything,鈥 Mana said.
The varsity boys soccer team placed first, playing the International School of Manila (ISM) in the final match and winning 3-2. The team ended with three wins and two ties, securing the first gold medal for the TAS boys soccer program since 2008. This year, the team was led by captains Jeffrey M. (鈥23, he/him), Daniel T. (鈥23, he/him) and Tyler L. (鈥23, he/him). The boys soccer program hopes to continue winning. 鈥淚 think the best advice I can give the team is to trust the process,鈥 Jeffrey said.

Victoria is the Managing Editor of Online for The Blue & Gold. She has lived in Taiwan her entire life and has been attending TAS since lower school....

Aina is a staff writer for the Blue & Gold. She has been attending TAS for the past four years and is looking forward to making new friends in high...