Blog Report by Mark Brenner
Corry Volleyball JV Coach
The Corry JV Volleyball team travelled to Cambridge Springs for their second tournament of the 2024 season and notched another tournament win, finishing 1st in their pool before knocking off Cambridge Springs in the quarterfinals, Hickory in the semifinals, and Maplewood in the finals.
After a little confusion in the opening moments of the tournament when it was realized that several teams did not show, the teams were re-pooled to accommodate the 8 teams that were there. Corry started the day in a pool of strong competition. In the first set against McDowell, Corry setter Naomi Brown served 10 straight times including many aces to give Corry a lead right from the start and Corry finished off the set with a win. In the second set against McDowell, although the score was close down the stretch, untimely Corry hitting errors were too much to overcome. This was the only loss of a set by Corry all day. The Maplewood and Cochranton sets all played out similarly, with Corry having the edge in serving, passing, hitting, and defense. Corry finished pool play with a record of 5W-1L, to earn the #1 seed from our pool. Maplewood played tough all day, but ended up 1W-5L and the 4th seed from our pool.
The Quarterfinal of the Gold Bracket matched Corry vs. Cambridge Springs. In this 25pt set, Corry dominated a tired and frustrated Cambridge Springs team for an easy victory.
The Semifinal vs. Hickory was more competitive. Corry dialed up the focus and energy level and proved too much for Hickory. Corry outplayed Hickory in all phases of the game.
The Final was against Maplewood! Entering the playoffs as a #4 seed, Maplewood fought their way back for another set against Corry. The other #1 seed, FLB, had an early exit from the playoffs, losing in the quarterfinal. In the final against Maplewood, Corry continued to dominate in all phases of the game to become tournament champions.
Missing several key JV players, S Ava Hallberg, DS Ellie Carey, and S Haley Mumau, this tournament provided opportunities for several other players to step into new roles and make significant contributions to the team.
Missing two of our three setters gave S Naomi Brown the opportunity to play 6 rotations and to serve. She did a fine job setting the ball to the best group of hitters at the tournament. She also had 14 aces while doing a fairly good job at serving the ball in the court. The missing setters also gave opportunities for right side hitters, Katie Downey and Shawntel Dyne to learn how to play right back defense and to serve. Both did a fine job, Dyne ending the day with a 96% serving percentage.
Missing a DS allowed OH Lauren Brundage to play much more back row and to serve. Brundage is becoming more steady in serve receive and did a good job serving. MH Rylee Nickerson also got extended back row playing time, passing in serve receive and digging up opponents’ hits. Her calm and steady passing platform is a real asset to the team. She also led the team in serving percentage and hitting efficiency.
OH Regan Kemp hit the ball exceptionally well, killing the ball when the pressure was on to finish out a set. She showed leadership on the court, encouraging teammates and keeping them focused. MH Kendall Donoghue also showed good leadership both on and off the court, hitting the ball well and defending the net. Libero Ali Yetzer led the team in digs (26) and passed well in serve receive too. Her positive energetic play is a great asset to the team. MH Morgan Vanderschaaff, defended at the net and hit the ball when she was set.
A special thank you and recognition for two of our team managers, Maci Kemp and Ava West. They came to the tournament, supported the team, kept stats, and were a blessing to have close by.
This tournament win was about every player embracing their role and doing their jobs. Corry JV are learning, getting better, having fun, and having a little success along the way!
Corry's next match is Tuesday on the road as they travel to Union City to take on the Bears. JV gets underway at 6:00pm with Varsity action to follow. The game will be on the DeeJ Experience Sports Stream at www.deejexperience.com
Corry Pool Play Scores: (5W, 1L)
Vs. McDowell W (25-18), L (22-25)
Vs. Maplewood L (25-19), W (25-22)
Vs. Cochranton W (25-17), L (25-21)
Quarterfinals of the Gold Bracket Playoffs
Vs. Cambridge Springs W (25-12)
Semifinals
Vs. Hickory W (25-17)
Finals
Vs. Maplewood W (25-15)
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