2/3/2007

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club's 18-1 and 16-1 teams finished second in their Gold Division pools at the final qualifying round tournament and will start the regular season in Division 2 in the Southern California Volleyball Association.

Jason Donnelly's 18-1 went 2-1 at Club West, losing only to Encinitas in three games (the last game 18-16) in their first match.

"It was nice to see these girls compete all day long," Donnelly said. "They were able to respond from a disappointing loss early in the morning and play very well in our final two matches."

The 16-1's of Erica Downing fell only to Long Beach and will be among the top 32 teams to start the regular season.

Jen Murphy played solid in the back row, while Kristen Kuntz set especially well all day," said Downing. "We had some great serving, as well as blocks in the middle by Hadley Simmons."

The 17-1 team of Jake Hong finished in a three-way tie for first in the Silver pool and will start the regular season in Division 5.

Hong praised the defense and serving of Katie Wilkes.

The 16-2 team of Tim Voth will also play in Division 5 after taking first in the Silver pool at Artesia High.