The 15-1 team became the 2nd NFVB team in the last 4 years to win an Open bid to USAV Nationals when they finished 4th in Open at the Big South Qualifier last month, achieving a goal the team had set for itself back in July after finishing 5th in the National Division at the National Championships.

In Atlanta, the 15-1s faced a formidable field, including 3 teams that had already qualified, but the girls beat one of those qualified teams, MAVA, in straight sets to win their first pool. Outside hitters Ashley Dryzmala and Gabby Hanson led the way with big kills and timely serving runs. Backrow specialists Kailtyn Long and Lauren Schreiner led the defense with Long also scoring 11 points on serve.
The 2nd day’s pool proved much tougher, involving two tough 3-game battles, one against a national top 3 contender and eventual tourney winner, The Royal Tigers. NFVB battled to 2nd place, earning them a spot in one of the two Gold pools and a shot at a bid. MB Leah Meyer and setter Taylor Hite led the way with their strong net play and leadership.
After dropping their 1st match to Top 10 nationally ranked OVA, NFVB had to beat Midwest power CYC St Louis, one of the pre-tourney favorites. Behind the active blocking and keys kills of both MB Jenna Reeser and OH McKenna Maycock, NFVB quickly pulled away from CYC and won 2-0. When OVA also beat CYC, NFVB was assured a bid. NFVB and A5 (a bid winner at the MEQ) played a fun, tight match for 3rd, A5 winning 26-28, 23-25. Rachel Stephenson provided key blocks and kills while Taylor Kaznowski set well and played great defense. With the bid, the team joins the ranks of the nation’s 32 top teams.
The next weekend the team competed again at the Northeast Qualifier in Washington D.C., this time with nothing but pride on the line. There was no drop in intensity as the team stormed through their first two pools undefeated. A key injury to Hanson and the hunger of teams in the final Gold pool who had yet won bids proved too much. Still, the team finished 7th out 32 teams.

Nationally, the team ranked 23rd on Prepvolleyball.com and 10th on the USA Volleyball rankings.

The Preview to Summer – Junior 4′s Sand Volleyball Tournament will take place on Saturday, May 5th at BNCC.  This event is open to girls ages 13-18.  The cost is $80/team for a day of fun in the sand!!!  Prizes will be
awarded to winning teams.

Register online at www.bnccsports.com.

This event will be a kick off to the BNCC Junior 4′s Summer Sand League that will begin May 22nd.  Sign your team up early to receive a discount on registration.  New for this summer: Advanced scheduling, team
t-shirts, Nike prize packages, ref fees included!!!

Register online at www.bnccsports.com.

SEE YOU AT THE COURTS!