Several teams of the Santa Barbara Volleyball Club competed this past weekend in the second of three qualifying rounds of the Southern California Volleyball Association.
The 15-Red and the 18-White teams had a banner weekend, winning all their matches and taking first in the pools.
On Saturday in the 15’s Division, according to the coach Desiree Partlow, “Everything was one big highlight,” said 15’s coach Desiree Partlow of Saturday. “Every single girl contributed and played great.”
The 15-Red team beat Channel Islands 15-Premier, Excel 15-1, and Mavericks 15-Peter to place first in their pool. Leila Nathan, Lindsey McFadden and Caroline Stoll were especially dominant in serve receive. Sarah McKinny and Ayla Nelson racked up a decent amount of blocks, while Nelson and Andrea Mullaney led in kills for the tournament.
Also on Saturday, in the 18’s Division, the 18-White team beat Bakersfield Club Jamba-17, Laguna Beach 17-Carrie and High Tide 18-White to take first in their pool.
The 17-Blue team finished the day with a 1-2 record with a win over Roots VBC 18-Green.
“The team battled hard all day but had costly errors at the end of the matches we lost against 951 Elite 18-2 and South Bay 17-1,” Coach John Haroun said. “Heidi Vandenoever hit consistently well during the day.”
The 13-Blue team had a strong showing on Sunday in the 14’s Division by beating Club West 14-Gold and Slammers 14-1 and losing to TCA 14-Blue to finish second for the day. According to Ed Gover, while all the players stepped it up for the tournament, he also mentioned the “…excellent setting by Sarah Scarminach, and passing and defense by Evanne Jimenez. Also, strong serving by Teah Burdick.”
Going 2-1 as well for the day was the 14-White and 13-White teams. The 14-White team coached by Matt Schroeder and Connor Hastings won two matches and lost one, but due to a 3-way tie in the pool took third for the day.
“We overcame a slow start to finish 2-1, with the highlight of the day a tight 3-game win against the top seed in the pool in the final match of competition,” said Hastings. “Rose Huizenga’s pinpoint serving and timely hitting played a key role in the team’s two victories, while Mia Cattaneo provided steady play in the back row throughout the day. Lauren Underwood came through in all phases with a myriad of clutch passes, alert digs, and powerful swings.”
Jessie Fahey’s 13-White team lost their first match then won the next two.
“Jackie Starnes excelled as our middle blocker, turning every set into an aggressive attack,” noted Fahey. “Chloe Richman took over on the outside, utilizing tips and roll shots to help her team to victory. Sophia Lugo was defensively strong and quick to pump up her teammates. We had a strong day together, battled some talented teams and came out on top!”
The first and second finishers for the 15-Red and 13-Blue teams all kick them back into the Gold bracket to compete in the final qualifying round this coming weekend along with the club’s 15-Blue, 15-White and 14-Blue teams. The 14-White and 13-White teams will be competing in the Silver bracket. Also, this coming weekend the 16-Red team will compete in its second qualifying round while the 16-Blue and 16-White team have a bye.
The 17’s and 18’s will head to the annual Las Vegas Invitational Tournament on President’s Day Weekend.
