Blazing Silver
Burlington Blaze 15U girls team are now National Silver Medalists. The tournament held May 7 -9 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, brought together 40 of the top teams from across Canada. This team has been ranked in the top three of their age group for the past three years, and had already gained five medals during the current season. In their first trip to National Championships, Blaze brought home the first National medal in the club’s 18 year history.
After going undefeated in pool play, both on the Friday and Saturday, Blaze found their first challenge in the quarter finals against Elans Noirs (Quebec), dropping their first game of the tournament in a close 23-25. But Blaze won the second game handely 25-16, and in true Blaze fashion, took the match by winning the tiebreaker in a blistering 15-1 score.
The semi final game was against the NAVC Green Pandas from Edmonton and Blaze narrowly missed the first game 23-25, but won the second game easily, 25-17. It wasn’t looking good for Blaze, when they were down 3-11 in the tiebreaker. These well matched teams played some of the best volleyball ever seen at this level, and Blaze showed their spirit and true determination, winning 12 points in a row, to come back and take the match 15-13.
Now they were to face Ottawa Mavericks in the gold medal match. Ottawa, always a challenging team, won the first game 20-25. Blaze, once again answered with determination winning a dominating 25-11 in the second. The tiebreaker was a nail biter. In the end, two points took the day (13-15) and Blaze came away with the silver medal, but knowing they had played some great volleyball.
Named to the Canadian Junior Team for their outstanding contributions were setter Rebecca Rivera and middle Kristy Storoschuk.
Pictured in their official National Team Photo L-R:
Back row: Coach Jenn Agard, Sarah Lowicki, Alexis Westwater, Brittany Lorentz, Rebecca Rivera, Paige Lumsden, Ashley Faccenda, Gabby Nathaniel, Coach Kamal Nassar
Front row: Amanda Bowles, Nikki Bozinoski, Lauren Sudac, Kristi Storoschuk
Submitted by: Irene Prime Administrative Director, Burlington Blaze Volleyball Club
