5/4/2007

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

The Santa Barbara Volleyball Club's 14-2 team is on a roll and is movin' on up.

Coach K.C. Collins' team won its third straight tournament, finishing first in pool play at 3-0 to move up to Division Four last Saturday.

"Despite having their setter and libero out sick, the team rallied to win every match," Collins said. "Caitlin Sullivan stepped in as setter and did a great job all day long, showing her versatility and athleticism as a player. Jordan Roberts took on the libero role and was a digging machine, also making several kills from the back row. Hilary Williamson provided needed consistency as opposite from the front row, while Lillie Hodges had an especially strong day passing and digging, and her smart offensive plays from the front were instrumental in the team's success."

The 14-1 team finished second overall in Mandatory No. 3 in Division One. The team went 3-0 in pool play on Saturday and 2-1 in playoffs.

"We continue to play at a high level," coach Liz Towne-Gilbert said. "Each week someone new steps up and helps our team win."

The 13-1 team tied for seventh in Division 2, going 2-1 in pool play and 0-1 in playoffs. The 13-2 team finished third in Division 7, going 1-2 in pool play.

On Sunday, Jason Donnelly's 18-1 team finished second, going 3-0 in pool play and 2-1 in playoffs, to move back up to Division 1.

"It was a very successful day for our team," coach Donnelly said. "On a day where we really needed to play well, the girls stepped up and competed all day long."

Coach Jake Hong's 17-1 team went 1-2 in Division 5 pool play.