Durham Attack Black 16U Girls Podium Hunt
After an impressive Bronze Medal finish at the 2008 15U Nationals, Durham Attack Black set their sights on improving their finish at this year’s 2009 16U Nationals in Calgary.
Day one saw the Attack go 6-0, beating the likes of the Toppers En Fuego (Prince Albert), WC 16′S (Brandon) and BCO 16U’S (Misson).
Day two brought a new challenge to the Attack in the form of the Seaside Surf from Surrey BC. Taking it to three sets, the Attack appeared to be wearing down and the Surf capitalized, serving the Attack their first and only loss in the tournament up to that point. As playoffs began on day three the Attack received a massive shock, a team dropped out forcing a rescheduling of matches making their new first round opponent the #1 seeded Junior Bison’s Black from Manitoba. The Bison’s were responsible for stopping the Attack’s 2008 National dreams by beating them in the semi finals. This year the Attack would not be denied, beating the Bison in a decisive 2 straight sets.
The girls were heading to the semi finals where the Attack once again faced off against the BCO 16’s (Mission), the match went much the same as their day one meeting, ending with a 2 set win for the Attack.
As they had hoped, the Durham Attack Black had made it to the Gold Medal match they had been striving for all tournament. Their opponent in the finals was another familiar face, the Seaside Surf, who had defeated the Attack in 3 sets during day two pool play. Whether it was nerves or simply exhaustion from the day, the Durham Attack lost in 2 sets to their new found rivals. Finishing second and achieving the Silver Medal, Durham Attack Black has sent a clear message to their peers and to those teams hoping to win gold at Nationals in 2010. The girls fought hard and represented Ontario well, notable recognition should go out to Taylor Simons and Candice Ottey for being named tournament All-Stars.
