Update: First Weekend of Competition
It was a great first weekend of competition for Downstate teams. Whether it was our Boys team in Hartford or our teams playing in GEVA sites in Jersey and NY, Downstate started off the New Year and new season strong!
Downstate Director Dan Altro on the Downstate Boys teams in Hartford for their first 2024 overnight tournament said this:
“Great matches for Downstate 18 - Boys from both the DAC and North!!
The North finished 3rd with DAC 18s picking up 2nd! Great playing!!!
DAC 16s had a good weekend as well. They worked hard and showed that the future of this season is extremely promising! The team lost a marathon set 32-34 having a lot of fun and playing really good volleyball. Great job!”
Congratulations to all the Downstate Teams making Power League:
Downstate 13 Black
Downstate 13 Cobras
Downstate 14 Black
Downstate 15 Black
Downstate 15 Cobras
Downstate 16 Black
Downstate 16 Red
Downstate 17 Black
Downstate 17 Cobras
Here are some other highlights from the weekend:
16 Red took first in their pool beating all teams including NYC 16-1: NYC Juniors’ top 16’s team!
17 Cobras defied the odds and refused to lose, despite going into the tournament down players, with only 9 before an athlete was injured prior to the first set of the day. Many of the team members ended up playing positions other than where they practiced. After playing a crossover match to keep their chances alive for making Power League, their team suffered yet ANOTHER injury forcing one more teammate to step up, playing completely out of position. Incredibly, they won the match securing their spot in Power League! An undeniable showing of hard work and grit from both the athletes and the coaching staff. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the season has in store!
Shawn Stoliker, Head Coach of 15 Cobras had this to say about his team's play in GEVA:
“Big swing after big swing, nothing to lose type of volleyball. Congrats ladies for making it through!”
Congratulations also goes to Downstate 15 Red for making it to the semifinals in a 16’s tournament! Way to represent Downstate well!
Congratulations to all Downstate teams. Keep working hard. See you all on the court!
