So close!

With a challenge to better the 5^th place finish of the 2011 17 National team, the 2012 Atlantic Valley 17 National team did just that with an astonishing 3^rd place finish in the Open Division of the MLK Kickoff Classic!

Day 1 of MLK Classic started with a Jersey showdown between our Atlantic Valley 17 National team and CJVA 17 Black.  A hard fought match ensued with our 17 National team taking the victory in 3 sets.   Playing Revolution East 17 White right after, the “Knights” kept their winning ways with a win in 2.  To ensure a top seed and berth into the upper half, our 17 National team put forth a whole team effort to beat Synergy 17 Navy.   3-0 for the day and a guaranteed Gold/Silver bracket finish!

Day 2 started out with another Jersey showdown, this time between our 17 National team and Allegro 17 National.  Starting where they left off on Saturday, the “Knights” disposed of their opponent in 2 sets, followed by another 2 set sweep of York YMCA 17 Heat Black.  This left a showdown of the top 2 seeds of the pool with both 2-0 records.  Valley Forge 17 Blue came out strong and worked past the block of our 17 National team with precise tips and dumps.  Set 1 to Valley Forge.  With a change in the defensive scheme, the “Knights” showed their resiliency and belief in the system.  Adapting well to the changes, Atlantic Valley 17 National then played with confidence winning the next 2 sets handily.  3-0 on day 2, and a top seed in the Gold bracket playoffs!

With an early morning start, our Atlantic Valley 17 National team came out playing some of the best ball yet this season facing off against Infinity 17 Blue.  The “Knights” showed their strengths with a 25-20, 25-15 quarterfinal win.   This set up a showdown with Delaware United 17 Black in the semifinals.   A huge battled ensued with 2 very strong teams.  Our 17 National team came up just a hair short losing in 2, 19-25, 21-25.  3^rd place overall in the Open Division!

Even through adversity and times of stress, the “Knights” showed their poise  and refusal to give up all weekend.  Never a dull moment when our 17 National team played.  Nothing like a 3^rd place finish out of 58 total teams in the 17’s division.   Keep believing and working hard ladies, we’ll only get better!