AirVorne Volleyball – The First Women’s Sand – Mix & Match/Draw Tournament

So what is this Mix & Match/Draw Tournament that the female players of Atlanta played in this past weekend?  One of the top players of Atlanta, Sheila Gatlin approached me with an idea that she wanted to incorporate into the tournament formats for AirVorne Volleyball.  “The Mix & Match/Draw format will be a cross between a blind draw and a queen of the court. The intent of this format is to give newer sand players an opportunity to play with and learn from players who have more sand/doubles experience while still playing in a competitive, fun environment.”

The result of this format – 20 females registered for this event!!

Here are the results for June 6^th’s first Women’s Sand – Mix & Match/Draw Tournament (after pool play from top to bottom):

Winner’s Bracket:

• Judy Baker
• Nikki Hawkins
• Chewy Chibuzo
• Tori Forrest
• Vickie Ellul
• Michelle Edler
• Megan Byrd
• Heather Dozier
• Sheila Gatlin
• Kim Dalimonte

Contender’s Bracket:

• Arleen Hughes
• Janice Fung
• Chanelle Smith-Walker
• Amy Poli
• Nicole Nilson
• Danielle Smith-Walker
• Elaine Sha
• Michelle Sloan
• Amanda Pilcher
• Melissa Sike

Again, the seeding for the tournament is based off of how everyone did during pool play and the pairings of partners were established (Note:  #9 and #10…hmmm – how did this happen – again, keep in mind this was all random like all queen formats).

In the Contender’s Bracket Semi-finals, Chanelle Smith-Walker of Atlanta Boom and Amy Poli defeated Arleen Hughes (Director of Atlanta Boom) and Janice Fung (21-15).  In the other semi-final, Amanda Pilcher and Melissa Sike defeated Danielle Smith-Walker of Atlanta Boom and Michelle Sloan of Atlanta Boom (21-16).  In the Contender’s Bracket Finals, Chanelle/Amy defeated Amanda/Melissa 21-13.  Congratulations to Chanelle and Amy!!

In the Winner’s Bracket Quarterfinals, Kim Dalimonte and Sheila Gatlin defeated Megan Byrd and Heather Dozier (21-10).  In the Semi-finals, Vickie Ellul and Michelle Edler defeated Chewy Chibuzo of Atlanta Boom and Tori Forrest of Atlanta Boom (21-11).  In the other Semi-finals, Kim / Sheila defeated a very strong Judy Baker and Nikki Hawkins of Atlanta Boom (21-12).  In the Winner’s Bracket Finals, Kim / Sheila defeated Vickie / Michelle E. (21-13).  Congratulations to Kim and Sheila…it seems as if they have played together before.

Special thanks to Del Hughes of Atlanta Boom for bringing their Juniors out to the sand and also convincing Arleen to come back out of retirement.

Tournament Testimonials:

“Thanks for putting on the tournament this weekend, I had a blast.  I also just wanted to give props to the veterans who paired up with the newbies and juniors, everyone was really patient and gracious.  There was a lot of coaching and what not, so thanks for that.  See ya out there next time.” ~ Heather Dozier

“Thanks Sheila and Dennis for organizing this format.  It was great to meet so many new people!” ~ Melissa Sike

“We all had a blast!!!!  I was so glad that the juniors grew point after point and enjoyed themselves!!  It was great hitting the courts again and you can count on seeing many of us all summer as we definitely realize the benefit of outdoor play!!!  We’ll definitely pass the word on.  Really would like to see women’s volleyball return to prominence in Atlanta!  Too much fun to be had!!  It was great seeing you all again and I look forward to playing again.  [We] will stay tuned to the schedule.” ~ Arleen Hughes of Atlanta Boom

“I just want to tell you and the women who particpated in the women’s sand tournament on June 6th, that my girls (Danielle and Chanelle) appreciated their kindness and instruction. The girls had so much fun. They were very apprehensive, as this was their first introduction to sand volleyball. They fell in love with the sport and cannot wait to get out there again. Thank you all! Please add us to your mailing list… Charisse (The twin’s mom).”~ Charisse Smith, Parent

CLICK HERE to view photos from the tournament »

See you guys on the court…

Dennis Jocson

AirVorne Volleyball, LLC.