The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club Girls squads competed in the WCVBA President’s Day Challenge in the Bay Area over the weekend.
SBVC sent five teams from five different age groups, and every team turned in a strong performance.
“Our teams continue to show how our Santa Barbara volleyball talent pool continues to develop and improve,” SBVC Executive Director and Interim Director of Girls Programs Dillan Bennett said.
“As we head into a stretch of time in the season specific to developing the players and teams, we’re looking to further build consistency leading up to the Red Rock Rave in late April.”
Age-13 Team
The 13s squad, coached by Meaghan Wheeler, went 6-3 on the weekend and came out on top in the Flight 2 Division.
Nube Martinez led the offensive attack with eight kills per match while Stella Valentine averaged five kills per match and collected 10 assists. Sophie Campion ended the weekend with 22 total aces.
Age-14 Team
Led by coach Emily Curry, the 14s team registered a runner-up finish in the 14 Club Division after going an impressive 9-1.
SBVC fell in the championship matchup to top-ranked Vision 13 Blue in three sets, 25-21, 23-25, 15-13.
Age-15 Team
The 15s team also came in second place in its 16 Open Flight 2 Division over the weekend.
“The girls played amazing, missing two of our three middles for the tournament, and then a few players had to leave early. The girls battled throughout,” coach Todd Shea said.
15/16 Combo Team
The 15/16 combo team enjoyed a successful weekend as well, finishing in 15th place. SBVC won its pool after going 3-0 on Saturday and fell to the eventual runner-ups on Sunday.
Ashton Dowdy paced the offense for SBVC while Maritt Blabey had a strong all-around weekend. The duo of Adri Kostrzewa and Reese Magid anchored a strong defensive effort.
“From the first tournament to now, we have grown so much as a team and we continue to develop and look forward to building off this momentum,” coach Tanner Stevens said.
Age-16 Team
The oldest age group competing for SBVC shined on the weekend, capturing first place in the Bronze Division.
SBVC cruised through the first day of action without dropping a set but buckled down and battled to strong victories down the stretch for the division championship.
“Ava Mast did a phenomenal job on defense and kept the energy up all weekend with an infectiously positive attitude,” coach Loren Ayers said. “Margaret Deakyne shined on the tournament’s final day with 11 kills throughout three games on the right side.”