The U16 Red team participated in the East Coast Championships hosted by Penn
State University in Pennsylvania this past weekend and performed tremendously.
After a chaotic
check-in for the 611 teams in 6 age groups, the teams settled in for the first
day of competition. The U16 division boasted a 96 team field and the first day's
round robin saw us take on teams from across the Eastern United States.
The 1st match of the day was a two set victory for the Red Team over Elite Force
from Glen Burnie, Maryland (25-8, 25-10). The teams performance continued
to impress our American opponents as we finished the day undefeated and atop of
our pool.
The second day's
opponents proved to be more of a challenge but the Red Team continued its
dominance with three impressive wins over teams from Washington DC, Bloomfield
NY, and Hubbard OH. That was the end of the round robin portion and the Red Team
was undefeated at 6-0, and raised many American eyebrows with the high level of
play displayed by the the team as they secured a top 24 placing.
The final day of competition saw an early challenge match against Fairfax, West
Virginia. The Red Team had its sights on a top 12 result but after a
valiant effort Fairfax proved to be too strong as the Red Team bowed out in a
tough 2 set loss. The team was now placed into the SILVER division which
meant we were still in the hunt for a top 24 placing.
The second match of the day was a hard fought 3 set victory for the Red Team as
they defeated another team from Fairfax (25-11, 23-25, 15-7). This set up
an immediate quarter final match against the tournament favorite from
Pittsburgh. The match was a seesaw battle where the Red Team played their
best match of the year. Leaving it all on the floor with spectacular digs
and an explosive balanced offence Durham Attack Red defeated the early
tournament favorite 2-1 (23-25,25-23,15-12).
On to the
semi-finals of the Silver division after two emotionally draining 3 set
victories in the span of 2 hours, Durham Attack Red Team met the eventual Silver
Division winners from Volley FX Mantra, from ONTARIO NY. Having just
played the best two matches of the year the Red Team had very little left in the
tank and although putting up a great fight bowed out in a tough 2 set loss
(25-18,25-18) to the very talented team from NY.
The ladies played their best volleyball when it most counted and all of them
showed their quality, as the team opened a bunch of American eyes with the
consistency of their execution and the quality of play they displayed.
Many U.S. parents and fans commented on the huge heart and professionalism our
ladies showed throughout the tournament. With the loss the Durham Attack
16U Red Team finished the tournament 8-2 and in a tie for 15th Place. Well
ahead of 81 other teams in the tournament!!!
|
