After going 3-0 in pool play the prior week at the Regional Championships in West Windsor, AVVC 16 Red placed 2nd in the region and claimed a Junior Olympic bid.

The day started out versus a “Cinderella” #16 Sportime team that we have played before. The team played impressive volleyball right from the start and great ball control got us a 25-12, 25-7 win. The next opponent Downstate, gave the girls a run, but defense prevailed and won 25-17, 25-16. In the finals of the top bracket, we ran into a familiar foe, DIGS. With high octane volleyball being played throughout the whole match, the girls fell short of a victory, but showcased a respectable performance of 17-25, 25-19, 10-15. With a loss in the top bracket, the team moved into the challenge bracket and again played a very competitive #3 NYC Juniors. The team knew what the stakes were and with one more lifeline, AVVC responded and came out on top. A 26-24, 20-25, 15-10 thriller ultimately got 16 Red one of their season long goals: a bid to the Junior Olympics. Moving back into the finals of the Regional Championship, AVVC got matched up again with #1 DIGS to play for the Regional title. With 3 matches in a row back to back to back, the girls rallied and put up a great effort, but fell short again; 20-25, 21-25. With the loss, DIGS won the National Bid, and AVVC won the American Bid. DIGS was planning on going to the AAU Championship rather than the Junior Olympics, so by procedure, AVVC inherits the National Bid.

With a #2 ranking in the region and a Junior Olympic bid accomplished, the girls’ next tournament will be Penn State’s “Happy Volley” tournament Memorial Day weekend. A big thanks to our parents for your continued support in our team and our fans (18 National who came to watch a match and cheer! Congratulations on your Regional Championship 2 years in a row!). WERE GOING TO DALLAS!!!