THE HOOP, SALEM - Today, NCVBC's 12's Black earned the second highest 12's ranking in club history by finishing in the top four of the Gold Division. 

Our first match of the day was against #4 MAC.  We played really well and won 25-17 and 25-13 behind some of our best passing of the season.  In the second game, Emiko had one of her custom service runs, reeling off eleven straight.  In our second match we faced #1 PVC.  We were able to build a big lead at 15-9 in game #1, but could not hold on and lost 25-27.  We played really well and held our own against the best team in the region.  Jaime served well and Anjola had a huge block during the game.  In the second game, we fell behind 12-0, before coming back to loose 13-25.  The third match in the morning was against #5 West Valley.  The first game was tied at 12, before Emiko served eight straight to build our lead to 21-12.  Unfortunately, we let West Valley come back and make a game of it.  Anjola had another strong block and a tip.  Anna had her best hit of the season.  Rachel had two more tips at the net and Emma had some great passes.  We pulled out game one 25-23.  The second game was not as close.  Behind strong serving from Jaime, Emiko, and Rachel and two big hits from Anjola on the last two points, we won easily 25-13.  By going 2-1 in the morning, we were guaranteed a top four ranking. (the second time ever for an NCVBC 12's team).

In the afternoon, we faced some stiff challenges.  Our first match was against #2 Rose City.  We never got our game going and allowed multiple Rose City service runs.  We lost the match 25-11, 25-4. In the third place game, we faced #7 Roseburg (a team we beat several weeks ago).  Unfortunately, we let one server rattle off a dozen serves and trailed 19-3 before we got started.  We mounted a comeback, but ran out of points.  We lost 25-12.  

Overall, it was another enjoyable day.  We played some of our best volleyball of the season in the morning.  After three straight weekend tournaments, we deserve a weekend off.  We started the season ranked #14 and have moved up each tournament.  Great job girls.  Keep working hard and we will defend our new ranking.