The CVC Canaries reached the semi-finals of the Columbia 12 Invite before falling to EPAN WV February 7, 2009. The Canaries hung tough in the first game before falling 25-18. EPAN WV took the second game 25-11 to win the match.
The Canaries played well all day. Coach Christine Brewer stated, “The girls were focused and worked hard as a team. They served consistently, communicated on the court, and had some great volleys. Despite some injuries, the girls pulled together to take first in their pool and win their quarter finals match. Overall, it was a very successful day!”
In their first match of the day the Canaries defeated Virginia Elite 25-21, 14-25, 25-15 to begin pool play with a 2-1 record. In the first set, the Canaries broke open a 21-21 tie with a 4-0 run to win 25-21. The run was lead by Gabrela Castro-Rodriguez and her three (3) aces. Strong serving was also provided by Ariona Rodriguez (2 aces) and Kelly Surkovich (1 ace). The second set was all VA Elite as they broke open a close game with a 9-0 to win 25-14. The third set saw VA Elite jump out to a 14-9 lead before the serving of Casey Stencil (2 aces) and Castro-Rodriguez (1 ace) lead runs of 10-0 and 6-0 respectively. The highlight of the final run was the kill by Meghan Kelley assisted by Caroline Tussing.
The Canaries ran their pool record to 5-1 with a 25-17, 26-24, 25-13 sweep of the Alexandria Titans. Strong serving from Rodriguez (4 aces) paced a strong start for the Canaries in game one. Kelly Surkovich also served well with four aces including a 4-0 service run to win the game. Game two was an exciting affair with the Canaries winning 26-24. Tussing recorded three aces and provided two service runs of 6-0 and 4-0 in the victory. Castro-Rodriguez led the hitting (one kill) and Catie Chervenak providing the passing (one assist). The Canaries jumped out to an 11-4 lead early in game three behind the serving of Rodriguez. Carly Smith provided the defensive play this game with several digs. The work of Smith was rewarded by the offense of Castro-Rodriguez (2 kills) and Elizabeth Berg (one assist). The Canaries completed the sweep with a 25-13 victory.
The Canaries clinched the Pool A title with a 25-17, 25-17, 25-15 victory over NVVA Fairfax Red. The sweep ran the Canaries pool record to 8-1. Jenny Mandl played a strong game at the net and Jahaira Ipanaque paced the offense in the first game by serving during a 6-0 run. During the run Ipanaque recorded one ace. Game two saw the Canaries pass and hit effectively. In a total team effort the Canaries overpowered the Red with strong serving and hitting. Ipanaque (one ace) and Kelley (two aces) led the serving while Castro-Rodriguez and Surkovich each recorded kills. Game three saw the Canaries get strong serving from Surkovich and Chervenak. The serving duo combined on a 13-4 run to steak the Canaries to a 22-12 lead before finishing off the Red 25-15.
Canaries celebrate another point
In the quarterfinal round the Canaries defeated NVVA Loudoun Shockers 19-25, 25-19, 15-8. The Shockers rallied from an 11-2 deficit to win the first game. The Canaries were led by the serving of Surkovich (2 aces) and Castro-Rodriguez (2 aces). The second game was more to the Canaries liking as they won 25-19. Smith helped the Canaries to an 8-1 lead with a 7-0 service run that included four (4) aces. Castro-Rodriguez fueled another Canary 6-0 run with her serving as the team raced to a 16-7 lead. The game was never in doubt and ended 25-19. The third and deciding game was all Canaries. After falling behind 3-0, Rodriguez led a 10-0 service run which included all-around fine team play. Berg had one kill and one assist. Chervenak, Tussing and Kelley all had fine defensive games in the victory. The Canaries finished the tournament with an overall record of 10-4.
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