The 16-1's were in the Gold Championship bracket today. They started off the day with a match against Vision 16's. They won easily in game 1, then it was a bit closer in game 2, and game 3 was won by Vision. Game 4 was another close game, but the 16-1's pulled it out 25-21 to advance in to the Semi Finals. In the Semi Final round we were matched up against Long Beach. We lost the first game pretty badly 25-13. The second game was closer but the 16-1's couldn't quite pull it out and we lost game 27-29. With their backs against the wall, the 16-1's played some great volleyball winning game 3 and game 4 25-23, 25-18. This meant it all came down to the 5th game. The 16-1's jumped out to a 3 point lead but Long Beach fought back and evened it up by 6-6. Long Beach went ahead at the change of sides 8-6. NL came back and evened it up again by 11-11. From there it was each side matching the other point for point until Long Beach took the lead at 14-13 and closed out the match 15-13 on a block. This ended the 16-1's season, and they officially placed 3rd in the 16 Open Division of the Championships. It has been a great year for this team, and the final match they lost was a well played match by both sides. I am proud of the 16-1 team and all of its members. Congratulations girls on finishing 3rd in the nation and medaling. Click here to see pictures of the 16-1's from today.
At the awards ceremony this afternoon Tori Dixon, Molly Kreklow, and Ashley Wittman were named to the 16 Open USAV All Tournament Team.
The 16-2 team finished its season today in the 16 National Division. They won their first match against Treasure Coast in 3 games. In the Flight 4 finals they played Synergy who was a very good team also. The 16-2's played very well but in the end they lost the match 27-25 in game 2. They officially finished 30th in the tournament. After the match the girls jumped in the park fountain on the way back to the hotel and then came over and gave Sunny a big hug! This team has had a great year. They won a National Qualifier, placed 3rd at another National Qualifier, and then won the AAU 16 Club National Championships. I am extremely pleased and proud of these girls and their coaches. Click here to see pictures of the 16-2's from today.
The 16-3 team also played it's final match of the year. They were in the Bronze playoff bracket and were matched up against Arizona Jrs. The 16-3's played a good match against them, but lost in two straight games to end their season. Officially they finished 19th in the 16 American Division. This team has been a great team all year. They have performed extremely well and have been a fun bunch of girls to be with. They may be the only "3's" team in the Nation to have made it into the National Championships!! I am very pleased to have had them represent us in Dallas. Congratulations girls on a great season. Click here to see pictures of the 16-3's from today.
The 14-1's had a 4 team pool today. They decided to play the maximum number of games possible and took every match to 3. They first beat Impact, then defeated SCVC, and finished off with Stingray 14's. All of them winning game 1, losing game 2, and then winning game 3. I guess if you come all the way to Dallas you might as well play a lot of volleyball! They placed 1st in the pool and this puts them in the Bronze bracket on Saturday playing for 13th in the 14 Open Division. Click here to see pictures of the 14-1's from today.