Ultimate Volleyball Club’s Girls 15-and-under Gold team crushed their competition and won the ASICS-Mikasa Invitational 16-and-under division at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Ill. on Sunday, Jan. 29. “Our team entered the tournament with consistency and technique as our primary focus,” said head coach, Chloe Blasingame.

They started the tournament off strong, quickly defeating Wisconsin’s Acers 15U (21-12, 21-11) and the MVP Lady Aces 16U (21-19, 21-12). Setters Yanette Gonzalez, Joliet, Ill., and Leah Seielstad, Frankfort, Ill., set the tone early, running an effective offense.

“Our offense came ready to play and put balls away,” said Blasingame about their big win over Rolling Thunder Boys 14U Blue of Lake Zurich (21-8, 21-10). “Boys teams are strong and can be hard to read, but the girls maintained control.” The team concluded pool play undefeated after beating IPV (Illinois Performance Volleyball) 16U Frost (21-9, 21-9). Outside hitters Allyson Mayher, Tinley Park, Ill., Valentina Manns, Frankfort, Ill., Kristina Billie, Frankfort, Ill., and right side hitter Erika Halverson, Peotone, Ill., delivered with big blocks and kills. Middles Josie Wierzal, Frankfort, Ill., Jillian Trompler, Homewood, Ill., and Samantha Molda, Orland Park, Ill. kept control at the net with steady touches and blocks.

In the semifinals and finals, liberos Madison Nirche, Frankfort, Ill., and Jordyn Banske, Crown Point, Ind., also known as “Bread & Butter,” proved that defense will definitely be the bread and butter of the team’s success this year. Defense was the driving force behind the team’s semifinal win over IPV Storm (25-23, 25-14) and championship win over MVP Full House 16U (28-26, 25-18). “Winning this tournament truly was a team effort; each girl plays a specific role and is necessary for our success.”