17-Black Asics/Mikasa Champs!
On Saturday, May 7th, 2011 the EDGE 17-Black team coached by Gordon McConnell won the Asics/Mikasa Tournament hosted by Top Flight Volleyball. The tournament started with the team facing Chicago Shamrocks 16 and Diamond Elite 16-Ruby. The team swept both matches in two games. After being off for two matches, the team did not miss a beat as they were able to quickly take the first game from Focus 17-Black. The second game vs. Focus 17-Black saw the EDGE 17-Black let down a little and cause a split in the match at one game apiece. In the final match of pool play, the team faced Attack 16-Orange and was able to finish them off in two games and finish pool play with a 7-1 games record. Focus 17-Black would also finish 7-1 in pool play and won the pool head to head by 1 point differential vs. The EDGE 17-Black.
After a very long three match layoff due to mandatory tie-breaking matches in the other pool, The EDGE 17-Black had to stay mentally sharp for their first playoff match. In the semi-finals, the team would be facing Raider Elite 17U. Raider Elite 17U had gone undefeated in their pool earlier in the day, and also finished 6th overall in the 18’s/17’s Division of the Windy City Power League hosted by the Great Lakes Region this past season. The EDGE 17-Black would not be deterred or intimidated, and dispatched of Raider Elite in two games to advance to the Asics/Mikasa Championship Match.
In the championship, The EDGE 17-Black again squared off versus Focus 17-Black. With only having 7 players for the 10.5 hour long tournament, the girls came out the first game flat, and dropped the first set in a close battle. With a second wind and their backs against the wall, The EDGE 17-Black would take the second game to force a third game for the title. Another slow start in the third game made it appear like the team would settle for a second place finish. However at 3-7, the girls decided they wanted to be the first to 8 and rattled off 5 unanswered points to force a switch of sides with The EDGE 17-Black leading 8-7. After the side-change, the team would not slow down and finished off the match going on a 7-1 run vs. Focus 17-Black to win the third game 15-8 and to earn the Asics/Mikasa Tournament Championship!
Great job team!
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