Club volleyball team goes 2-5 during Red Rock Rave Junior National Qualifier in Vegas
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LAS VEGAS >> What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, which might not be a bad idea for the Never Say Die 18s club volleyball team after its rough weekend on the court during the Red Rock Rave Junior National Qualifier.
The Lake County team finished 2-5 overall, going 0-3 Saturday on day one of the three-day tournament. NSD did much better on Sunday, finishing 2-1, before losing its only match Monday.
During Saturday action, NSD lost to FRVBC of Colorado, to SoCal Volleyball of California, and to Vegas Volleyball of Nevada.
“Rough first day, but they stayed positive and kept pushing,” NSD head coach Marci Psalmonds said. “We were constantly on defense and being scrappy. We had 108 digs to try and keep us alive, but we just couldn’t get our offense going.”
The team opened Sunday with a win over Oasis of California before losing to the Roughriders of Colorado. NSD bounced back with a win over Ignite of California.
“We came out swinging in the first match with 33 kills and everyone stepped their game up,” Psalmonds said. “In the second match we let up a little and lost in three sets. Defensively we did well with 72 digs and six blocks.”
Added Psalmonds of the team’s Sunday play, “Third set we picked it up again and breezed through the win. Our serving was on, and we had eight aces.”
Coming back Monday, NSD lost to Underrated of Nevada to close out its tournament.
“The girls came out really sluggish and I didn’t think we were even awake until the game ended,” Psalmonds said. “I have to give Underrated props though. They had one girl that controlled the whole game. She was legit and ripped the ball.”
Matisyn Mateer led the team with 31 kills, Carly Johnson had 26 and Aimee Schaefers 22.
“They were the most consistent all weekend with their swings,” Schaefers said. “Also, Carly only committed eight swinging errors over the three days.”
While the team’s overall record wasn’t what Psalmonds of her players were looking for, the NSD coach said the team learned some valuable lessons.
“All and all a good experience for the girls,” Psalmonds said. “The competition was definitely tough but whatever court time we can get as a team is always good.”
The NSD 18s return to action March 29-30 in San Mateo.
