The 15-Smack team of the Santa Barbara Volleyball Club tuned up for the AAU Junior Nationals by going 4-3 at the Southern California Volleyball Association Regionals in Anaheim.
The team went 1-2 in pool play on Saturday and came back to go 3-0 on Sunday before falling to SMBC 15-Brad to finish 13th overall.
“The team played with a lot of enthusiasm and consistency,” said Coach Jake Hong. “We hope to transfer this positive energy to Florida at the AAU National Championships.”
The team competed in the Gold bracket and finished third in pool play on the first day, beating Tustin 15s, and losing to Temecula 15s and San Gabriel 15s.
On Sunday, Santa Barbara defeated Impact, Saddleback Valley and Coast.
“Melissa Scott contributed greatly as a middle blocker to the team’s success this weekend,” said Hong. “This tournament was a great warm-up for our tournament in Orlando.”
The 15-Smack leaves in two weeks to compete at the AAU Girls Jr. National Championships in Orlando, Fla.
The 15 Blue team ended their season with a great run in the Silver bracket at the SCVA Regionals. The team finished with a 2-1 record in Saturday’s pool play, beating Mizuno LB 15-Runbird and So-Cal Elite 15-American, and losing to Vegas 15-Spikers in three games.
Returning Sunday, the team also came out of pool play with a 2-1 record beating Temecula 15-Steve and TCA 15-Black.
“The team found ‘their game’ and played inspired volleyball. The overall play of Chloe Richman and Anastasia Kunz throughout the weekend kept this team in every match,” remarked coach John Sener.
The team eventually lost to Rincon 15-Elite in the first round of playoffs, finishing 45th overall in Regionals.
“Overall, it was a great weekend for the team. Everyone at one time or another stepped up and made big plays. As their coach, this was a brilliant ending to a memorable season.”
The 12 Smack finished their season in the Silver bracket of the SCVA Regionals. The team opened with a thrilling day of pool play, beating Saddleback Valley and Wave 11-Tammy, and barely losing a nail-biter to Beach Cities 24-26, 25-20, 12-15.
On Sunday, the team finished with a 1-2 record and headed into a three-game thriller playoff match, losing to T-Street 12Mitz 13-25, 25-20. 8-15.
The team finished their season with placing 23rd at Regionals.
