Sunday, January 6th was the first tournament of the year for the 16-White Team.  They traveled really early on Sunday morning to St. Johns University in Queens New York to go 2-0 in our pool in the first two matches.  They fought hard against LI Fury in a close three gamer, where they fell short, finishing 2nd in the pool.  

The girls were really excited to advance to championship playoff bracket. After an hour off, they gathered up the energy to beat the first place team from the opposite pool in a grueling game of three.  In that match, the girls came together after being down the first set to fight back and win the second, and then took the third by two points.  

In a one-set winner moves on semi-final match to 25 against the Long Island Academy team,  Team Riptide had a good start and was able to maintain a 2 point lead in the first half. The Academy team fought back n the second half with some strong serves and offenses, and was able to surpass team Riptide at times. However, team Riptide kept fighting hard all the way to the end, yielding the match 23-25. Team Riptide eventually took the 3rd in the tournament.

Although this is the first tournament these girls have played together, team Riptide has demonstrated that they can play as ONE team and ready to put up tough fights.  They learned how to play and communicate with each other, work together, and complete goals. All the skills the girls have been taught were utilized and put into action.  Their serves were excellent and consistent through out the day. Their passing was an "A" game that allowed our middles to run quicks and for the setter to utilize all her options.  Players showed up and showed the coaches their drive to play and skills that they possessed.  All the players rose in different occasions to lead the team to their victories.  Their energy filled the gym making other teams recognize that we are team to be reckoned with.  

It was a great start to the year, with many more highlights to look forward to.  Thank you to all the parents and fans that came to support the girls and being apart of the long day.  And thank you to all the girls, your hard work pays off and your a delight to watch!  (A special thank you to Margret's "Pop" for the Sandwiches!)