AAU volleyball sees success in Montana

Posted 5/31/22

Off-season volleyball has opened opportunities for Powell as the U16 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team placed seventh in the Big Sky Volleyfest in Billings, Montana, on May 7 and 8.

The team …

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AAU volleyball sees success in Montana

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Off-season volleyball has opened opportunities for Powell as the U16 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team placed seventh in the Big Sky Volleyfest in Billings, Montana, on May 7 and 8.

The team consisted of players from the Panther girls volleyball team, including Marie Hillman, Catelynn Floy, Kodee Asay, Addy Thorington, Kenzie Fields, Maci Borders, Sydney Spomer and Stevee Walsh.

The team made the short trip to compete in the open division of the competition, as Powell split its opening day games in pool play.

Powell lost to MVA 16 National in its first match 20-25, 25-16 and 13-15 in the final set. The girls rebounded to defeat PRVC 16 in two sets 25-6 and 25-16.

In the crossover bracket Powell defeated the Billings Avalanche 25-18 and 25-20 before losing to Krystal 25-13 and 26-24.

“Any time in the gym or on the court is beneficial and during club we were able to spend hours together,” Powell coach Lesli Spencer said. “The girls played in different positions and in different rotations for every tournament due to other conflicts. They were able to adapt and still be successful.”

Heading into bracket play on Sunday Powell was put into the gold bracket and matched up with MVA 16 National again.

This time Powell got revenge.

Powell lost the first set 25-22, but won 25-17 and 15-7 in the final two sets, advancing to the quarterfinal.

Powell lost to eventual runner-up Elite Blue 25-17 and 25-13 in that matchup, dropping down to a sixth and seventh place matchup.

Powell lost to the Williston Chaos in the final match 25-16 and 25-19 to finish in seventh place overall in the gold bracket.

“Seeing the girls having success against the competition that was at this tournament was so fun,” Spencer said. “It proved to them that they are a very competitive team and when they have fun and play hard their limits are unknown.”

Also serving as the Panthers head coach, Spencer is hoping the team continues to build on its form heading into the upcoming season.

The program is planning to host open gyms over the summer starting in June, while playing in weekend tournaments and hosting a team camp in July.

“From this we are hoping to keep our volleyball form and have a great summer,” Spencer said. “We want everyone walking in the gym in August ready to play, have fun and be successful as a program.”

Spencer said that up to 40 girls already participated in spring volleyball open gym opportunities, which even included some middle school girls attending.

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