SVBC team downs New York at Junior Olympics

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Behind some power hitting from Hannah Neumann and Hailey Olin, the Sandpoint Volleyball Club U16 team finally notched a win at the Junior Olympics on Friday in Columbus, Ohio.

After going 0-5 in a brutally tough six-team pool that included three of the final eight teams in the gold bracket, Sandpoint took down Apex Magic, from New York City, 8-25, 25-22 and 15-11.

Sandpoint is used to dominating opponents in the Northwest tournaments, but the level of competition among the top 48 Junior Olympic teams is basically uncharted territory.

“The quality of competition has been really good. The first day we were a deer in headlights,” said  head coach Jack Dyck, whose team has been overwhelmed height-wise in many of the matches. “We’re getting used to the pace of play; it’s a new level for us. We’ve gotten better just by the experience.”

After breaking through against New York, Sandpoint fell 25-16, 25-16 to a team from Portland, Oregon. Despite the losses, Sandpoint has had stretches of playing teams evenly, including serving three times for game point against the No. 4 seed team from Miami.

Dyck praised the play of Olin and Neumann as outside hitters, and an unexpected lift off the bench from setter Hailey Dunn.

“Hailey (Olin) and Hannah have both stepped up and scored consistently against bigger people,” said Dyck, also hailing the middle blocking of the 6-foot tall Dunn. “She’s been a surprise, and has stepped up and done a nice job.”

Kennedy Search has been the primary setter, while Trinity Young, Mariah Kluver and Taylor Martin have kept rallies extended with some nice back row play. The power of the opponent’s serve, and the faster pace, have proven a tough adjustment for Sandpoint, which has adjusted and improved as the tournament has progressed.

“All of the kids have shown that they belong here,” said Dyck on Friday. “It’s such a good thing to see this level. We’re not used to losing, and we’re getting an experience that no team in our region is getting.”

Sandpoint will face the Aloha Champions from Hawaii this morning on the final day of action, before a final match to determine their place between 32nd and 35th.