Santa Barbara’s 17-Smack finished the tourney in 10th place out of 48 teams in the American division.
The team went 6-1 in pool play, but lost the challenge match to get in the top 8 to Saddleback Valley 17-Brian.
In the Silver Bracket, the team beat both Nebraska Elite 17-Nemisis and Texas Eclipse 17-Green before losing to Rockwood Thunder 17-1s in a barn-burner 3-set match, 23-25, 25-18, 15-13, to finish 10th overall.
“This is an outstanding accomplishment considering the high quality of teams at the event,” coach Dwayne Hauschild said. “We played and beat two teams that made the final medal bracket, including one of the finalists, so I am happy with our level of play. I can say with a level of certainty that we got the most games for our money, as we went three sets in nearly every match and, considering we had to change lineups due to illness and injury, I am proud of our commitment and resilience throughout the season all the way to the end.”
Hauschild was assisted by UCSB alum Charlene DeHoog.
The members of the team include Lauren Alef, Allie Eason, Sierra Hofstatter, Jaimie Mayner, Sarah McKinny, Amanda Moriarty, Tristan Racich, Nicole Tetherow and Amber Wiswell.
