Results: 06.13.2010 – Men’s Sand Series (Qualifier for AVP/Barefoot Wine)

I would like to introduce Jon Collins and Mike Lawley, winners of the AVP/Barefoot Wine Qualifier held at the Virginia Highlands.  At least for half of the teams who participated in the Qualifier, this was the second day in a row playing in this intense heat that we had here in Atlanta.  It was a very long day for all teams.  There were 7 teams that participated in the Qualifier and at the end of pool play, the teams were ranked as follows:

1.  Chuck Hall / Jesse Ricks

2.  Mike Lawley / Jon Collins

3.  Howard Miles / Donald Miller

4.  Anthony Mince / Greg Baker

5.  Johnathon Kendrick / Bobby Mitchell

6.  Dave Moore / Dustin Stapleton

7.  Ross Campbell / Robert Boccolucci

#6 – Dave / Dustin and #7 – Ross / Robert played a match to determine which team would advance to the Quarterfinals.  Dave / Dustin are known for their youth and aggressiveness on the court.  Ross / Robert are completely new to the tournament format but brings raw talent after only playing for a year.  In the end of the match, Ross / Robert (pictured below:  Robert hitting) were victorious over Dave / Dustin to advance to the Quarterfinals…25-19.

The Quarterfinals were set in which #3 – Howard / Donald verses #7 – Ross / Robert and #4 – Anthony / Greg verses #5 – Johnathon / Bobby.  Unfortunately for #7 – Ross / Robert, it seemed as if they used up all their energy in the last match and lost to #3 – Howard / Donald…26-16.  The other Quarterfinal match went down to the wire…point for point each team sided out.  But it was #5 – Johnathon / Bobby who pulled through winning over the #4 – Anthony / Greg…25-23.

In the Semi-finals, it was #1 – Chuck / Jesse verses #5 – Johnathon / Bobby and #2 – Mike / Jon verses #3 – Howard / Donald.  The question is:  do the teams who just played in the Quarterfinals have the strength for another round?  On the yellow court, #5 – Johnathon / Bobby gave the #1 – Chuck / Jesse a run for their money…it wasn’t till the 18-17 switch when Chuck / Jesse pulled through to continue onto the finals…25-19.

On the red court, fatigue set in for one of the teams early on…both teams played the day before on the sand except one player played in a grass tournament, Howard.  Through most of the match, Howard was struggling to stay vertical.  It was up to his partner, Donald to pull out the tricks, but unfortunately, Mike / Jon were too much for them as they won over Howard / Donald to move onto the finals…25-15.

The finals were set as the #1 – Chuck / Jesse played #2 – Mike / Jon in a full match…2 out of 3 games win by 2 points.  In pool play, Chuck / Jesse won their match against Mike / Jon…25-18.  Would we see the same outcome in the finals?  In the first game, it seemed like the only person on the court who had more energy then anyone else was Mike.  It also helps to have a supporting fans (family) on the sideline as well.  But then again, Chuck / Jesse had their fan base as well.  One of the key plays during the match were made by Mike…hitting the ball over on 2.  After a long weekend of volleyball, it seemed like Mike / Jon were looking to end the match quickly.  In the end of the match, Mike / Jon gave Chuck / Jesse their first loss on the day and won the Qualifier…21-16, 21-18.

Congratulations to Mike Lawley and Jon Collins…they advance to the Grand Championship on July 31st for their chance to win the Chicago AVP/Barefoot Wine prize package.  They are one of four teams that will be competing for this ultimate prize and to represent Atlanta, Georgia.

The last Qualifier is scheduled for Sunday, July 11th.  Don’t miss your chance to represent AirVorne Volleyball/Atlanta, Georgia in Chicago on August 27th-29th.  Be sure to check out the action on the Photo Page above.

See you guys on the courts…

Dennis Jocson
[email protected]
AirVorne Volleyball