–
This past weekend saw our 14UG teams hit the courts for their third OVA tournament of the season.
14 Kitara (Trillium)
Entering the day as the seventh seed, the team was pushed to its limit but persevered, winning both morning matches in three sets and claiming the top seed for the playoff rounds. A couple of convincing straight-set wins in the quarterfinals and semifinals set the team up for a guaranteed medal. Unfortunately, their winning streak came to an end against the T-West Falcons, but a silver medal for their efforts was well deserved. Congratulations, Kitara!!
14 Isihlangu (Select)
A couple of close losses in pool play set the girls up for a pre-quarterfinal match to start their playoff rounds. A tight three-set loss (14–16 in the third) pushed the girls out of the medal rounds. Unfortunately, the team just could not find a groove, winning the first set in the ninth-place match but ultimately falling in three sets to end their day after round two of the playoffs. Upward and onward for the Isihies as they prepare for the upcoming 15UG event in two weeks.
14 Assegai (Championship)
A rough start to the morning saw Assegai finish third in their pool with a 1–4 set record. In the quarterfinals, the team took a 1–0 set lead but could not maintain their momentum, dropping the third set 14–16. The wind was out of the team’s sails as they could not muster anything positive in the ninth-place match, falling to their opponent in straight sets and ending their day early.
14 Shambulio (Championship)
A third-place finish after pool play put the girls into a pre-quarterfinal match, where they went on to win in three sets to set up a matchup with the top seed in the tournament. In the quarterfinal, the team pushed their opponent to the brink in both sets (26–28, 23–25) but ultimately could not get over the hump. In the 5/7 match, the squad put in a maximal effort but could not overcome their opponent, finishing seventh on the day.
UP NEXT: 17UG takes the stage for the OVA McGregor Cup on Jan. 31 / Feb. 1. Good luck to all 17U and 16U Lakeside teams participating!
