News

THIS IS THE MOMENT!

Date Posted: 4/2/2024

It was a banner weekend for Academy 16 Diamond, firing in all positions and pushed forward by quarterback - Genevieve Harris. Having something to prove after their last qualifier, they came into last weekend with one goal - and boy did they achieve it. They started off the weekend as the 9th seed overall, finishing 3-0 in pool play on day 1 with a 1.5 point ratio against their opponents. Day 2 proved to be a bit tougher, as usual, falling to Winter Park 16-1 and going 2-1 in pool play. This was enough, however, to land them in a gold pool for day 3. Coming out guns blazing, they finished the pool 2-0 with a 1.4 point ratio. With no prior qualifying teams in the gold bracket, they knew they had only one more win for the bid. Ironically, who would they face, but winter Park in the semi final match. a scrappy match back to back. They won the first but fell in the second. It was down to the third set. The 16’s decided was their moment and came out in dominating fashion. The final kill to decide the match was put down deep corner by outside Natalie Langston. They had done it! Vegas here they come. But the job wasn’t done yet, it was time for the finals. With momentum on their side, they took the first set 25-23 and then absolutely rolled in set 2 (25-12) against a very strong NKYVC team. It was the cherry on top of the fantastic weekend, winning big south for the first time in club history. Congrats to this team and we can’t wait to cheer them on in Vegas this summer.

Accolades on this team by various media outlets:

PrepDig 16 Open ‘Dream Team’

Genevieve Harris, tournament MVP
“After a monument win in the semifinals, Harris was all business in the championship match.”

Natalie Langston, OH
“When Natalie Langston gets on top of the ball, it is nearly impossible to stop her, let alone slow her down.”

Laney Blevins, MB
“Blevins was a true game changer in the title match. Upon subbing in midway through the first set, a 3 point deficit turned quickly into a 4 point lead for Academy. This was based off of a string of points by Blevins.”

Honorable Mention: Taylor Bruce

PrepVolleyball All Tournament Team

Taylor Bruce, MVP
Kate DeZurik, Libero
Ava Wilkerson, Middle Blocker
Natalie Langston, Outside Hitter

Also mentioned on the weekend by PrepDig:

Kate DeZurik, Libero
“This wouldn't be your typical NC Academy team without a really high level libero. Kate DeZurik is one of those players.”