Results: 05.15.2010 – Women’s Sand Series…let’s go ladies

What a great start with the 2010 Women’s Sand Series…we had 8 teams registered and some new faces for the veterans. It was absolutely a perfect day of volleyball…great weather, great games, and the Taste of the Highlands was happening next door. After pool play was over, the following teams were ranked in order:

1. Amber Ramga / Elaine Sha
2. Amanda Dashwood / Sheila Gatlin
3. Chibuzo Aguocha / Emily Adams
4. Cynthia Johnson / Lucia DePretto
5. Kristina Hayes / Lauren Patterson
6. Frances Chang / Courtney Clark
7. Judy Baker / Janice Fung
8. Courtney McCluskey / Sarah Haskell

The top 4 teams advanced in the quarterfinals which set up the semi-finals: #1 – Amber/Elaine against #4 – CJ/Lucia and #2 – Ada/Sheila against #3 – Chewy/Emily. In the first semi-final, it was great to see CJ back on the courts. Her fight against breast cancer has been a huge inspiration to the entire volleyball community…and she played and proved to everyone that she can play with the best of the best. Both she and Lucia gave their hearts out on the court but unfortunately lost to veteran team that has played together before…Amber / Elaine advances to the finals.

In the second semi-final, it was the new team of Chewy / Emily against the veterans of Ada / Sheila. If you Google, “Emily Adams – USC Volleyball”, you will be amazed to see what she has done with the sport. Standing 6′-5″, this was believe it or not Emily’s first sand volleyball tournament ever. Chibuzo on the other hand was a powerhouse and quick in the sand. This team was definitely intimidating but it is nothing that Ada / Sheila couldn’t handle. They played their game on the red court which brought alot of attention to nearby neighbors as they were entertained with the game as well. Unfortunately, in the end, the powerhouse of Chewy / Emily prevailed as they moved onto the finals…25-19.

The finals were set: Amber/Elaine and Chewy/Emily. During pool play, they played against each other and Amber/Elaine squeezed by winning 25-23. Were we to expect the same thing? The game went back and forth for quite some time, but that game during pool play gave Amber/Elaine some advantage on how to play against this powerhouse. The key from what I notice on the ref stand was the ability to make the shots against Chewy/Emily. Because this was Emily’s first sand tournament, she had problems moving in the sand. There were a couple times when I saw the “Jumbo Shrimp” shot over Emily in the deep corner. In the end, Amber and Elaine came out victorious…25-17. Congratulations to the both of them for a fantastic finish…

For more photos on this tournament, check them out on the Photo tab above…or just click here.

The next Women’s Sand Series is schedule for June 5th and this is affiliated with the AVP/Barefoot Wine Series. The winner of this tournament will received an entry into the Grand Championship for AVP Chicago. So ladies…bring it!!!

Dennis Jocson
AirVorne Volleyball, LLC