Sophomore Collins
play earns her MVP
A team that’s built on relationship and trust has more to offer than just great athletes. That’s one of the many great ways to describe Cy-Woods Volleyball team. A team loaded with as much talent as any, depends more on bonding and team chemistry. The girls get along well, spending time together away from the court. Dinning together and slumber parties is part of the glue that helps with stick backs.
Coach Ahlfinger points out the fact that her team is made up of great kids, something more than just talent players; they understand that they have to play as a team, that’s what makes the difference in the Wildcats.
The Lady Cy-Woods Wildcats (8-0) defeated Klein Oak Panthers 25-22, 25-22 in the prestigious Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District Invitational Volleyball Tournament (Gold Bracket), Saturday evening at the Berry center. With the win the Wildcats earned their third consecutive Crown in the tournament.
Playing the best-of-three series, Cy-Woods swept the Panthers in two games. The two met last season for the championship in which the Wildcats swept that series also.
“It feels amazing to win the tournament, it is such an honor. There are so many good teams in here. We work very hard and come out and do our best. We don’t want to peak early but keep growing as a team,” said Cy-Woods Middle Blocker Sarah Nielsen
Wildcats Sophomore Setter Chloe Collins is no stranger to volleyball as she was named to the all-state team last season as a freshman; who earned this years MVP while Ahlfinger was named coach of the tournament.
“It feels great just to know my team and I have worked hard together to earn a first place opportunity. Our coach tells us to have fun and make sure we are into the game,” said Cy-Woods Setter Chloe Collins.
The area’s top ranked Wildcats had to win five games to earn a bid for the championship round which included wins over Cy-Ranch, Klein and Lumberton.
“We came out, started out strong; we tried to focus on our side of the court, played our game, played as intense as we could. We knew that all the teams in this tournament are very good. We had some good competition; it is a good way to get ready for the up coming season. Our goal is to win state, so we have to keep working hard,” said Cy-Woods OH/MB Carla Armstrong.
The Panthers (7-1) fought as hard as they could, battling back through out the game to stay close.
The ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
MVP: Chloe Collins (Cy Woods)
Outstanding Libero: Sindhu Vegesena (Klein Oak)
Outstanding Hitter: Daniela Arenas (Cy Woods)
Outstanding Setter: Keelie Arneson (Klein Oak)
Coach of The Tournament: Ashley Ahlfinger (Cy Woods)
Sarah Nielsen (Cy Woods)
Carla Armstrong (Cy Woods)
Bridget Benditz (Klein Oak)
Hallie McDonald (Klein Oak)
Sarah Teel (Cy-Fair)
Kameryn Hayes (Cy-Fair)
Chanell Clark-Bibbs (Cy Falls)
Amy Davault (Jersey Village)
Heidi Otto (Klein Collins)
Chelsea Rekieta (Klein Collins)
Toyin Jubril (Fort Bend Kempner)
