The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club’s 15-Blue team claimed 3rd place overall in Division 1 again this past Saturday in Anaheim.
K.C. Collins subbed in to coach and recapped the fun day of play:
“Amanda Harvey and Tristan Racich did a great job setting, distributing the ball well to all the hitters. Taylor Racich and Dani Rottman led in kills for the day. Danae Theiler made some key passes and digs in the back row. And Katie Spieler and Nicki Brown were digging machines keeping many exciting rallies alive with their digs, while middles Ciena Colburn and Lina Kleinschmidt were putting up a wall, stuff blocking many balls, all to really frustrate the opponents!”
Kara Weirum’s 15-White team finished first in its pool by beating SMBC, East Valley, and Power Play. The team lost to T-Street Trestles in the first playoff match, but based on winning their pool play, the team will move up to Division 2.
The 15-Red team coached by Desiree Partlow went 2-1 to finish in a three way tie for first, and ultimately received 2nd place for the day based on point ratio. The team beat Orange County and Epic, and lost to Saddleback Valley.
Coach Partlow said, “Our first match against Orange County (1st seed) was our best match yet. Not only did we win, but it was game of earned points versus the other team making more errors. Our offense was almost flawless. Sarah McKinney racked up 12 aces for the day and dominated at the net with 12 solid kills and Susie Weaver had 6 kills and no errors. Caroline Stoll did a great job for us defensively in the back row. Lindsey McFadden finished the day with 57 assists and just did a great job for us.”
Tina Brown’s 12-Blue team was moved up to Division 1 when a top team disbanded. So the 12-Blue was competing among the top 8 teams in their age division! The team lost their three matches in pool, but won their first playoff match which was enough for them to secure holding their spot in Division 1!
On Sunday, the 18 Blue team coached by Liz Towne-Gilbert, played in a 3 team pool and finished second. The team lost to Encinitas Wave and beat TCA Black to move into the top 6 for the day. The 18-Blue then lost to Laguna Beach in the first playoff round to finish 5th for the day, and in the top 5 teams overall in Division 1 of the Southern California region. According to Coach Gilbert, Emily Rottman and Katherine Keller played great defense all day.
Courtney Prestons’s 18-White team came in 2nd in pool play, beating South Bay 18’s and Central Coast, and losing to Golden West. In playoffs, the team competed against South Bay 17s in a tight battle going to three games, losing the third 16-18.
“Katie Borden both passed and served well, and Jackie Harvey and Jenn Waddill were key offensively as well,” Coach Preston mentioned. The team will move up to Division 2.
17 Blue went 1-2, taking 3rd in their pool for the day and remain in Division 6.
