Durham Attack | Best in Ontario 15U Tier 1 for Attack Black 15U!

The Tournament Organizer said it best, “I guess if you play volleyball for two days straight and no team scores more than 18 points against you, you deserve to be called champions.” Vaughn went on to say he has been involved with many OVA championships over many years and cannot recall a team playing at such a high level at this age. With that, the Durham Attack 15U Black Girls Volleyball Team lined up to receive their Gold Medals for winning the OVA 15U Tier 1 Provincials, played at Fanshawe College, London April 29-30. For most of this group it was their second straight year as OVA Champions, but for Kellie Downing, Rebecca Glancey and Allie Loynachan, it was the first time they had the opportunity to make a contribution that led to this level of success.

In Pool Play Saturday, #1 seeded Attack Black defeated Burlington Blaze 25-17, 25-15, Peel Pakmen 25-9, 25-17, then the Niagara Rapids 25-6, 25-8 to finish on top of Pool A. The final match of the day was a must-win pre-Quarters match, which separates the top eight from the bottom eight, heading into Sunday. Attack Black sent Kingston Pegasus to the bottom group, winning 25-9, 25-13.

Sunday began with the OVA 15U Award of Excellence presentation. Our highlight was the award to Ali Goc, Attack Black. Head Coach Evan Williams commented that Ali was very deserving of the reward. A full year younger than her teammates, Ali has been fearless in her play all year long, swinging away against the huge blocks thrown up by girls sometimes two years older (and much taller) than this Grade 8 student.

The Quarter-Final Sunday began with a 25-9, 25-13 defeat of Georgetown Impact. The Semi-Final featured a match against a familiar opponent, the National Capitals from Ottawa. At the first tournament of the year, one of the Ottawa parents commented, “Looks like we’ll be matching up against your team all year.” Attack Black walked away with a very convincing victory, by scores 25-9, 25-17. This set up a fitting Final against Forest City from London, seeded second, re-match of two previous tournament final victories for Attack Black during the year. Once again, Attack Black 15U made good on their #1 seed, winning 25-18, 25-15.

Volleyball is the ultimate team sport and this victory is shared by every member of the team, beginning with the excellent coaching of Evan Williams, Julie & Tom Clarke. Consistently accurate passing from the back row, led by Libero Tayler Mitchell, helped setter Jordyn Moloney run the offence with the many the options set up by the coaching staff. Strong outside hitting by Kellie Downing, Ali Goc & Melanie Johnston kept the opposition on their heels, while Middles Rebecca Glancey, Alysha Johnson & Ashleigh Mulholland scored while tending to their block assignments. Right Side Hitters Allie Loynachan and Erin Spraggs hit, blocked, served and even set the ball with authority, when required. A true team effort by all.

At this time, it is fitting to recognize the accomplishment of the Durham Attack club, which can boast 2006 OVA Tier 1 Girls Champions at 20U, 18U, 16U, 12U and now 15U age groups.

Next up, Attack Black 15U will be looking to defend their age group Canada-East Championship from last year, traveling to Moncton May 11-14. The team will then end the season by traveling to Calgary May 18-23 to compete in the Canada-West Championships. Sponsors willing to help with the heavy cost of these trips are encouraged to contact Evan Williams at ewilliams24@hotmail.com.