16UA Showcases Depth In Nike Prez Classic

 

 

The H216UA team posted a top 10 finish in a field of 64 at the Nike Presidents Day Classic in St.Louis this past weekend.

Day 1 Started out fast and furious with a dominating effort at the net. Winning quickly and handily the 1st set, they dropped the 2nd set in a nail biter 23-25 while mixing the rotation up. However the group settled in and hit their stride in set 3 winning convincingly 15-3.

Matches 2 and 3 the team played steady to finish the day 3-0 and wining their pool while gaining much needed experience in alternative rotations.

Day 2 started much of the same way going 3 sets in the opening match with 16UA cranking out confident efforts in the 3rd set winning 15-6.

Throughout the day serve receive did show moments of vulnerability. However, the team finished the day with one of best passing performances of the year in match 3. This effort enabled the offense to show their greater potential with an impressive display of hitting while dominating at all 3 positions across the net. 16UA once again won their pool and completing both pools at 6-0 (12-2 set play) moving into the 16 team Gold Bracket.

Over the first 2 days the team had changed the rotation up numerous times in an effort to prepare for Monday. Monday, the team knew they’d be without 2 of their starting 6 who were unavailable to compete on day 3. Day 3 started off with a tough loss to a familiar HOA opponent . However, like they had the previous 2 days, the group found their groove. Showing off their depth as a team 16UA posted one of the best ball control efforts of the season as they swept their final opponent of the tournament.

One of the key lessons from the tournament was no matter what position you’re asked to play, the expectations do not change. Compete wholeheartedly any time, anywhere you’re asked to play on the court. 16UA did just that. As a result the team finished tied for 9th out of 64 and going 7-1 in match play.