Emma Eccles of the SBVC 16-Smack goes up for a spike as setter Sara Scarminach looks on.
The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club 16s took to the court for Southern California Volleyball Association qualifying round action.
The 16-Smack won its Gold Bracket pool and earned a bye for the second qualifying round. The team swept Rancho Valley 16-Select in two sets 25-15, 25-16 and then won back to back 3-set matches against SCVC 16-Roxy (25-19, 16-25, 15-13) and Goldenwest 16-Asics (16-21, 25-21, 15-9).
“It was a great experience for the girls to play in tight games,” coach Jake Hong said. “Maddie Klusendorf stepped up to play libero for us this tournament and did an incredible job. Katie Kim played aggressive and smart all day. Mariah Bell showed up big for us in the end of all three games with huge swings. “
The 16-Blue finished third in the Gold Bracket with a 2-1 record. The team lost to Surf City 16-Kevin and Impact 16-Bryan, both in 2-sets, but bounced back to win the last match of the day against Excel 16-Darren in 3-sets, winning the final set 17-15.
“We had a bit of a rough start to begin the day against Surf City but played competitively with them late in game one and throughout game two,” coach Dillan Bennett said. “Our serve receive broke down and we ultimately lost the match.
“Against Impact, the number 1 seed, we stayed with them most of game two until they kicked into another gear. Our match against Excel, we leveled out and stole game two by serving tough and game three was a battle until the very end, but we finished strong by playing smart volleyball.”
Hope Stewart led in kills with 18 for the day, while Anastasia Kunz was strong on defense with 22 digs.
The 13-Smack, 13-Blue and 14-Blue teams were competing in second-round qualifying.
The 13-Smack swept its pool, beating San Luis Obispo 14s, SoCal Jrs 14s, and Starlings High Desert 14s. Coach Ed Gover mentioned that Brynna Hodosy and Liana Tacconelli both had a superb serving day, with 10- and 8-point runs, respectively.
“Excellent setting provided by Kobie Jimenez and a great overall hitting day for Delaney Mayfield, Bridgette Tmur and Adyson Colburn,” Goer said. “On the defensive side, Delaney Werner and Francesca Engel were very solid.”
The result moves the team back into the Silver Bracket for the third qualifying round.
The 13-Blue also enjoyed a successful day with a second- lace finish in the Bronze Bracket. The team beat T-Street 13-Lindsay and Starling South Bay 13s, and lost its last round to Pacific Jrs 14-Sasha.
Autumn Rexford, Ally Drevo and Tatum Vestal turned in solid matches for the team.
Meanwhile, in the Gold Bracket, the 14-Blue lost some close battles to Sunshine 13-South Bay, Seal Beach 13-Roger and LAVA West 13-Amy.
Coach Katie Julian said: “The team played well against all the teams, especially the match versus LAVA West, but we came up short every time. Our second match of the day was the best play I’ve seen out of these girls. The rallies were never-ending and their intensity and determination was strong. Unfortunately, it was a few unforced errors which cost us the match.”
Julian praised Dani Abrams, Karissa Mertens and Summer Soto.
