Girls 15U Black Win Challenge Cup

The 15U Durham Attack Black team collected more GOLD this past weekend at the Tier 1 Challenge Cup in Pickering.

Pool play started slow with the team allowing their opponents to score more points against them than anticipated as both defence and offence were sluggish to say the least. Despite their less then stellar play in the morning the girls still managed to finish first in their pool, without dropping even a set, earning them a bye to the quarter finals.

The quarter finals saw the 15U Blacks pitted against their cross town rivals DRVC for a second time this season and this match would prove to be their toughest and most exciting match of the day. The first set saw Attack fall behind numerous times but true to form for this year's team, the girls demonstrated that they would NOT be denied what was theirs and once again proved that when it matters, they can dig down deep and find that "IT" factor to turn the game around. After a hard fought first match, Attack came away with a 26-24 win. The second set was Attack all the way as the girls left absolutely NO doubt in anyone's mind why they are Ontario #1 by easily defeating DRVC 25-14. The semi's allowed the 15U's to face, for the first time this season, the Stratford Stingers, a team that prevented them from winning the Bronze Medal at last years Provincials. Attack dominated this game from start to finish easily beating the Stingers in two straight matches. The Gold medal game was a rematch of a match played earlier in the day and saw Attack playing the Etobicoke Titans. The 15U's, much more awake then what they had been in the morning, quickly won this match in two straight sets, ensuring that their record for not losing a single set, remained intact and allowing them to add another GOLD medal to their count.

This 15U Black team is gaining momentum each and every tournament as they build towards the ultimate goal of not one but TWO national titles this year. Spectators, players and coaches from other teams frequently come to watch Attack's matches as the girls put on a skills show each match they play and yesterday was no exception. Yesterday's Gold came as a result of massive blocks and HUGE steps and quicks from Jazmine, Alanna and Elise, powerful hitting around blocks and strong defence from Candice, Taylor, Emily N and Jenny, exceptional digging by Jodie and the most amazing setting from Emily B, Ehvan and Lily. Special recognition has to be given to Emily B who owned the right side of the court throughout this tournament with crushing hits that had everyone holding their breath.

The 15U's are very much looking forward to their next appearance at the 16U tier 1 tournament February 9th in Whitby, where they will face their toughest competition so far this year.

Reigning Gold in Pickering for U15 Black Team
By Elisabeth Hazelton

It was another gold for the U15 girls black team as they took the prized medallion in the U15 Challenge Cup this weekend. Extending their U15 winning streak to
32-0, the U15 girls met every match with the same determined confidence that echoed the experience of games won and lost over the years. For the most part, the girls played with the talent that has earned them the reputation amongst their peers as being a killer hitting and blocking team. However, even with such an uncontestable win streak, the girls showed fleeting moments of wavering focus and communication -- both of which Coach's Kevin and Lisa will aim to tame as the girls prepare for the U16 Tier 1 Bugarski Cup in a couple of weeks.

And to the parents, as they unwound from the day's festivities together -- many thanks! The girls may have rocked the gym, but the Guitar Hero's rocked the after party!

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