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- Jolen Aldaya – 17 Navy
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- Ken Storti – 14 Orange
- Danielle Carrozza – 14 Navy
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- Evan Liu – 12 Orange
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- Heather Tice – 17 Lehigh
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- Will Robertson – 16 Lehigh
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- Casey Griffith ’13 – Univ of MD Baltimore County
- Taylor Krause ’13 – Penn State
- Elizabeth Hollander ’13 – Washington & Lee
- Nicole Lott ’13 – UNC Wilmington
- Kirsten Overton ’13 – Temple University
- Alaina Piszczek ’13 – Rider University
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Archive for March, 2012
Big Day at Big South for 17 Lehigh
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Tournament Results on March 31, 2012
In an exciting day of first-round play at the Big South National Qualifier in Atlanta, Synergy’s 17 Lehigh eked out two challenge match wins to stay alive in gold medal play.
17 Lehigh, shown here after winning the PVA Classic.
Playing in the 17 Open Division, Lehigh got off to a rough start, dropping its first match of the day to Cincinnati Volleyball Academy. Lehigh rallied against Club West 17 Elite of Franklin Tenn, winning a third-set tie breaker 15 to 11. But a loss against Magnum Mizuno of West Colombia, S.C. left the team ranked third in its pool, sending it into two last-chance challenge matches.
In challenge match play, the girls quickly dispatched Roanoke United Red in a 25 to 15 set, but faced a tougher opponent in Top Select of Winter Garden, Fla. Lehigh stayed strong and won the one-set playoff in 25-22, which was enough to secure a spot in the second day of gold medal play.
On Saturday, gold bracket play will continue as Synergy faces Atlanta Juniors, Mizuno Northern Lights of Burnsville, Minn. and Asics Willowbrook Red of Houston.
Competing in the 15 National division, 15 Lehigh had an emotional day of highs and lows. The girls won against Intense Volleyball of West Columbia, S.C. but dropped a match to Top Select. The team’s third match against Tsunami Volleyball of Atlanta would determine whether the girls stayed alive for gold or dropped down into flight play. After losing the first set 21-25, the girls made an astonishing comeback, winning the second match 25-8. But Tsunami regrouped and dealt Synergy a heartbreaking 5 to 15 loss in the tiebreak.
On Saturday, 15 Lehigh will play against Colorado United of Littleton, Colo., Club Red of Raleigh and Alabama Elite of New Market, Ala.
Good luck to the Lehigh 17s and 15s as they continue to take on some of the best teams in the country at the Big South.
UNCW Finds a Lott to Like at Synergy
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in College Commitments, Player News on March 27, 2012
Nicole Lott's soaring hits and quick defensive play caught the eye of college recruiters. Photo: Charley Lowe
Congratulations to 17 Orange’s Nicole Lott who was awarded a full scholarship from the University of North Carolina Wilmington to join the schools Division 1 volleyball program.
Known for her powerful hits, quick defensive plays and trademark flying ponytail, the 5’11″ junior from Bishop Shanahan was a starting freshman who helped her team win the 2009 PIAA AAA Pennsylvania State Girls Volleyball Championship. She was named to the All-State team her sophomore and junior years as well as 1st Team All-District last fall.
Lott began her club volleyball career at Valley Forge, where she twice helped Forge win junior national bids. But in 2010, Lott made the switch to Synergy for more opportunities to compete on the national stage. That year, Lott moved from the middle to the outside and powered her 15 Orange team to 3rd place in the National Division at the USA Junior National Volleyball Championships in Reno. For her performance, Lott received All-Tournament honors along with her teammates Alexis Rhein and Morgan Lowe. More recently, Lott and her 17 Orange teammates took gold at the Mid-Atlantic Power League championships.
Nicole Lott celebrates a point.
“I wish I had six girls with the drive that Nicole has,” said 17 Orange Coach Richard Johnson. “The kid doesn’t accept failure. She pushes herself to be perfect.”
In January, Lott visited the UNCW campus and was immediately taken with the university as well as the volleyball program. “She loved the school and the campus, it felt like what she envisioned college to be,” said her father Mike Lott, who also coaches 14 Navy. “She really liked the coaches and what they are trying to do with the program at UNCW. Most importantly she liked the girls and was impressed with how they really seemed to be friends and were committed to getting better.”
Last month, Lott accepted UNCW Head Coach Amy Bambenek’s offer to join the team for the 2013-14 school year.
Coach Johnson said he was not surprised that Lott caught the eye of college coaches.
“They love her intensity and her drive and her desire to be a very good volleyball player,” said Coach Johnson. “Nicole has what you can’t teach. Her heart is big and she refuses to lose.”
17 Orange Goes for Gold (The Slideshow!)
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Slideshows & Videos on March 26, 2012
March 26, 2012 – Synergy’s 17 Orange left a trail of broken hearts at the Mid-Atlantic Power League tournament in York, Pa. Check out this photo slideshow of the “Heartbreakers” in action, courtesy of 17 Orange parent and team photographer Charley Lowe. To read more about the tournament, go to 17 Orange Takes the Gold at MAPL. And be sure to check out the video footage of the girls in action at MAPL on the Synergy Volleyball YouTube channel.
17 Orange Takes the Gold at MAPL
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Tournament Results on March 26, 2012
17 Orange wins the Mid-Atlantic Power League
March 26, 2012 – The 17 Orange powered through the competition, including several 18s teams, to win the gold at the Mid-Atlantic Power League tournament.
In two days of weekend play in York, Pa., the 17s were undefeated in match play, dropping only one set in eight matches. On the second day of play, the 17s defeated 18s teams from Paradigm Revolution of Rochester and KRVA rival Yorktowne Blue. In the semi-finals, the Orange faced down top-seeded 18s Metro American Volleyball Club of Washington D.C. before defeating Under Armour Elite’s 18s from Towson, Md. in the gold medal finals.
Coach Richard Johnson said the competition from Metro American was particularly fierce. “They were huge – it was like playing against a college team,’’ he said. “Our girls really played well and stepped up. It was probably the best match I’ve ever seen them play. Everybody contributed.’’
Middle Randi Leath from 18 Orange joined the team for the mixed-age tournament. Coach Johnson also cited standout play by middle Kirsten Overston, who is recovering from illness and “had her best tournament this year.’’ Setter Lexi Rhein is also “back 100 percent” after a recent knee injury, he said. He also cited hitters Nicole Lott, Morgan Lowe and Taylor Leath, libero Casey Griffith and defensive specialist Alaina Piszczek.
“Everyone did their job,’’ said Coach Johnson. “It was a total team effort. We beat a lot of good teams this weekend. We’re finally healthy, and we’re starting to peak at the right time.’’
In the MAPL 14 to 16 division, Synergy’s 16 Orange was undefeated going into the gold medal playoffs, where it met 15 Orange in the quarterfinals. In two close games, the 16s edged out their younger teammates, who finished the tournament 4-2 in match play and among the top 8 teams in the tournament. The 16s met NVVA Ice in the semifinals, but lost in three sets and settled for 3rd place overall.
Also at MAPL, 15 Navy finished 4-4 for the tournament, losing the final match of the Copper playoffs in a three-set match to another NVVA Ice team.
14 Orange takes the silver at the AAU Grand Prix
The 17 Navy played competitive teams all weekend, going to a third set in five of seven matches. The girls closed out the tournament with a loss to MVSA of Montgomery Village, Md. in the Flight 1 playoffs.
Elsewhere this weekend, the 14 Orange took home silver at the AAU Middle Atlantic Grand Prix in Newark, Delaware. The girls were undefeated until the gold medal finals where they lost to NVVA Ice.
Meanwhile, the 14 Navy played several competitive matches at the Keystone Juniors 14 Open tournament in King of Prussia.
Congratulations to all the girls for another great weekend of Synergy volleyball!
14 Orange Takes on St. Louis!
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Slideshows & Videos on March 22, 2012
Meet them in St. Louis!
Congratulations to 14 Orange who just returned from the Mid-East Qualifer in St. Louis.
Like every volleyball tournament, the MEQ proved to be a roller coaster of highs and lows, good times with teammates and great learning experiences. The trip included some of the most competitive volleyball the girls have faced this season, along with a fun side trip to the St. Louis Arch.
“We played against some great teams and learned some lessons on what is needed to compete on a national level,” said Coach Donna Smith. “We will be working on all our fundamentals in the coming weeks to prepare for the the NEQ and the bid.”
To celebrate the team’s first national qualifier outside of the East Coast, we’ve put together a slideshow of photos from the camera of 14 Orange parent Mark Lichty. Click on the link above to watch.
Alexis Rhein Picks Charleston (and the Beach)
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in College Commitments, Player News on March 19, 2012
17 Orange's Alexis Rhein has gained a national reputation for her athletic sets. (Photo: Charley Lowe)
March 19, 2011 — The College of Charleston has awarded a full scholarship to 17 Orange’s Alexis Rhein who will join the school’s Division 1 volleyball program for the 2013 season.
Rhein, a 5’10″ junior from Eastern York High School, joined Synergy four years ago as a libero for the club’s precocious 14 Orange team. But within a year, Coach Rich Johnson asked her to take on the role of setter, a position suited to her athletic style of play and spirited personality.
Lexi Rhein
That year, Rhein led her 15 Orange team, coached by Pat Rucker, to 3rd place in the National Division at the USA Junior National Volleyball Championships in Reno. Rhein received All-American honors along with her teammates Morgan Lowe and Nicole Lott.
“You don’t see too many setters in the country that display the energy that kid has,” said Coach Johnson. “She’s bouncing around, screaming, jumping up and down, and playing her heart out. She’s a great leader.”
After being recruited by several top schools, Rhein narrowed the list to a few schools with strong academics, competitive volleyball programs, warm weather and a vibrant college campus. Charleston stood out, in part, because the school also is just five minutes from the beach, and the college will begin a sand volleyball program this spring. The NCAA recently recognized women’s sand volleyball as a varsity sport for Division I and II schools.
Rhein first visited Charleston last July, taking part in an evening camp session and a tour of the school. She returned in November to watch the Charleston Cougars play Appalachian State, where Rhein’s sisters, Synergy alumni Courtney and Kelly Rhein, also play volleyball.
Cougars head coach Jason Kepner offered Rhein a spot on his team as soon as she arrived on campus, and she accepted before heading home.
“The College of Charleston is a great fit for her,” said Coach Johnson. “She’ll be able to play beach volleyball, and Jason Kepner is a great coach. She’s going to bring a lot of energy to their program.”
Synergy Volleyball Camp, Save the Date!
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in News & Announcements on March 18, 2012
The 2012 Synergy Summer Volleyball Camp will be held from July 30 to Aug. 1. Mark your calendars, and more details will be provided in the coming weeks. Summer camp gives your daughter the chance to reconnect with Synergy teammates and coaches and brush up on skills for the fall high school season and club tryouts. Watch this space for more details. Download the form and Register Now
St. Patrick’s Day Gold for 13 Orange
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Tournament Results on March 18, 2012
Coach Jolen Aldaya huddles with 13 Orange after a St. Patrick's Day win.
March 17, 2012 — Synergy’s 13 Orange celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by winning 12 straight sets and taking home the gold in local tournament play.
Synergy played host to nine teams at the St. Patty’s Day 13s tournament at Aspiring Champions in King of Prussia, including their teammates from 13 Lehigh. Both Synergy teams won their respective pools and made it to the playoffs.
In the semifinals, Orange defeated Keystone Region rival TCA Black in two sets. On the next court, Lehigh lost to a talented Brandywine BAM team. In the finals, the 13 Orange offense was put to the test by Brandywine’s feisty defensive play, but Orange pulled out the win in two sets to claim the gold.
“We’re still working out some kinks, but in spite of those challenges, we still finished out on top,” said Coach Jolen Aldaya. “This was another good opportunity as we gear up for the Northeast Qualifer.”
Meanwhile, 12 Lehigh advanced to the playoffs in the Futura Dance Classic in West Chester, Pa. a fun dance-volleyball tournament that typically attracts some of KRVA’s best 12U teams. Lehigh won its quarterfinal but dropped the semifinal match to TCA Black. In the dance portion of the competition, the girls rocked out to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Party Rock Anthem. “We were good!” reports dance/volleyball Coach Donna Roman. Stay tuned for a video posting of the performance.
Congratulations to all the girls for a great weekend of volleyball!
Academic Honors for 18 Orange’s Alexa Swann
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Awards & Honors, Player News on March 18, 2012
Alexa Swann honored for brains and brawn.
Every year, Prep awards academic honors to 95 high school seniors, ranking them on five teams of eight players along with 55 girls who receive honorable mentions. Swann was among the elite group of players to receive top recognition from Prep by being named to its second team of academic all-Americans.
Swann, a 6’2″ middle who plays for Brandwine Heights in Topton, Pa. led her team to the Class AA state title this year. The Virginia Tech signee recorded 889 kills, 178 blocks and 68 aces in 2011 and was the AA state tournament MVP and the Pennsylvania Gatorade Player of the Year. Academically, Swann has maintained a 4.10 grade point average and is a member of the national honor society. Prep also cited Swann for her volunteer work with local youth volleyball programs and fundraising to benefit cancer research.
18 Lehigh Squeezes CAVA Lime for Gold
Posted by Tara Parker-Pope in Tournament Results on March 12, 2012
18 Lehigh juiced the competition at DeSales University
March 11, 2012 — Sunday’s Bulldog Rumble at DeSales University ended with a battle between two Lehigh Valley powerhouses, and Synergy’s 18 Lehigh emerged with the gold.
The 18 Open tournament included three teams from Synergy — the Lehigh 18s and 17s as well as 18 Navy from King of Prussia. In the end, 17 Lehigh and 18 Lehigh made it to the playoffs, facing each other in an all-Synergy semi final, with the 18s taking the win.
That set up an all-Lehigh Valley final between 18 Lehigh and neighborhood rival CAVA 18 Lime. Earlier in the day, 18 Lehigh had dropped two close sets to CAVA during pool play. But in the rematch, Orange trumped Lime and Synergy took the gold in two sets.
“Outside hitter Erin Hillman played phenomenal,” said Coach Lora Yankauskas. “Setter Veronica Koval was awesome and played some great defense.”
14 Navy took 3rd at Keystone Jrs.
Also on Sunday, the 14 Navy advanced to the playoffs at the Keystone Juniors tournament in King of Prussia. In pool play, 14 Navy beat Infinity Gray and DVA Villanova, but lost in two close sets to CJVA 14 Black, the team that eventually won the tournament. The girls won the gold quarterfinal against CJVA White, but lost in the semis to Club Delaware.
“We are getting better every time we take the court,” said Coach Mike Lott. “Today we played our best volleyball of the year, and our middles, Claire Gassman and Anninka Hemdal were outstanding with their hitting, blocking and all around net play.”
Congratulations to all the Synergy teams who played this weekend!
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Synergy Summer!!!
Break out the sunscreen! It's almost Synergy Summer! Check out the new Summer! button on our home page. You'll find our NEW Grass & Beach Calendar, which offers a complete listing of area Grass & Beach tournaments. There's also a NEW Summer Camp Guide, which includes details on several area Summer Camps offered by local coaches and universities. Soon we'll be updating our Synergy Summer Camp page with information about our three-day camp.Follow Us.
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