Club volleyball squad wins all seven of its matches to close out North State Volleyball Series
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RED BLUFF >> There was no stopping the Middletown HEAT 14-under club volleyball team last weekend in Red Bluff as it closed out the North State Volleyball Series with a championship, going 7-0 in tournament play.
“This was the last 14-under tournament of the North State Series, and the girls came to win,” HEAT head coach Erika Galvan said. “They played so well together and were encouraging each other all day. Their high energy kept us going even when we were tired.”
The HEAT went 4-0 in a five-team pool, playing all of four matches back to back, before moving on to win all three gold bracket matches and the tournament title.
In pool play, the HEAT beat Legacy MJ 21-10, 21-13, NSVA Wallace 21-13, 21-12, Momentum Golf 12-21, 25-16, 15-13, and Adrenaline 21-18, 25-15.
In the gold bracket, the HEAT knocked off Konocti Bay 21-14, 21-12, Shasta Elite 21-19, 19-21, 15-13, and Matrix Olivia 21-11, 21-10.
“Every girl put in 110-percent effort for this team,” Galvan said. “Throughout this season, each player has grown so much in their knowledge, skills and mental tournament. We had some long rallies where the girls showed their grit, played scrappy, and never let up.”
Emma Jones, an outside hitter, led the team with 20 aces and 47 service points while also registering 13 kills.
“Her serves were so hard to pass up,” Galvan said.
Middle hitter Grace Williams finished with 19 kills and three blocks, two of those blocks on match point against Shasta Elite in the gold bracket that sealed the HEAT victory.
Outside hitter Emma Davis finished with 65 digs, 44 kills, 36 service points and 19 aces.
“She turned on the power against Shasta with 14 kills,” Galvan said. “They couldn’t get the block on her or dig up her swings.”
Setter Trinity Galvan compiled 52 digs, 31 service points, 12 aces and six kill while also leading the team with 61 assists.
“She was crucial in the success of the day,” Galvan said. “She was hustling all over the court with some diving saves and then setting up her players for the kills.”
Opposite hitter Kaia Bohan finished with 41 digs, 35 service points, 19 aces, seven kills and seven assists.
“Gabby Keyes, Ella DelZompo and Camila Galvan also hustled hard for us in the back row, allowing our setter to do her job well,” Galvan aid. “These girls were also crucial in serving throughout the day.”
Added Galvan, “Hannah Clarke, Carlee Williams and Minnie Toney also stepped up into their front-row positions. These girls have been working hard at learning their positions and swinging at the ball.”
Added coach Vanessa Davis, “I couldn’t be prouder of these girls. It was such a great feeling to finally beat the Shasta Elite team (winner of the four previous North State tournaments) and take home the championship. We knew these girls had it in them, and it all clicked so well.”
The HEAT team wraps up its season on Memorial Day weekend in the Long Beach tournament.
