Clarion Junior High Volleyball Hosts Annual Tournaments (04/07/14)

The Clarion Junior High Volleyball Team hosted their annual Volleyball Tournaments on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5.

Dorothy Kalinowsky setting up to serve in a 7th Grade game

There were eight schools involved this year. In addition to host Clarion, there were six KSAC  schools, Keystone, North Clarion, Redbank Valley, Union, A-C Valley and Cranberry, as well as, Freeport from the WPIAL.

The 7th Grade Tournament took place on Friday, while the 8th Grade Tournament was Saturday. There was a fairly large crowd on both days, with a number of volunteers helping with concessions, 50/50 etc.

This year’s 7th Grade Champions were A-C Valley. The Lady Falcons downed Freeport, in two games in the Championship Match, on Friday evening.

7th Grade Champion, A-C Valley Lady Falcons

The 8th Grade Champion was Freeport. The Lady Yellowjackets downed Clarion Orange, on Saturday, in two games, winning the first game 25-15 and the second game 25-20.

Clarion Coach Erika Bevevino had this to say about her younger squad, “Our 7th graders continue to improve and the highlights of the evening were Lindsey Kemmer and Ali Troese successfully serving and beating the eventual champion A-C Valley in a pool play game.

(Photo courtesy Freeport Coach, Tom Phillips) 8th Grade Champions, Freeport Lady Yellowjackets

“The 7th graders continue to put things together and are excited for the remaining games.”

An of her older team, Coach Bevevino said, “I divided our 8th graders into 2 evenly matched teams so that the girls would get lots of playing time and would be able to get better throughout the day. The two teams had a great day with Clarion Black finishing 2nd in their pool behind eventual champion Freeport and Clarion Orange finishing first in their pool.

“Unfortunately the two teams had to face off against one another in the semi-finals. Clarion Orange came out on top in that match.

Best seats in the house. Proud Grandparents, Ken and Nancy Wilson

“I am very proud of the way both teams competed all day. I put a lot of pressure in our outside hitters to be the go-tos and they really stepped up to the challenge. Our serving was very tough all day long and it was able to jump start our offense.”

And looking ahead to the rest of the season, Coach Bevevino said, “We have 4 games remaining and hope to continue our success from this weekend into those matches.”

The Lady Cats next matches will be at Keystone, tomorrow (Tuesday, April 8).