Locals help power Central Oregon volleyball team at nationals

The Central Oregon Volleyball Clubs 16 Nationals team recently returned from the USA Volleyball National Tournament, which was held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Out of 128 teams at the event the COVC team finished in 41st place.

The team, which is composed of players from Bend, Sisters, Ridgeview, Trinity Lutheran, Caldera and Crook County High Schools played against teams from California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Teas, Utah, Colorado and Iowa during the course of the tournament.

“I was proud of this group,” said head coach and club director Heidi Wood. “On day one we came out to play and beat the team that finished third in a great battle, so we were right there. On day two we came in slow and gave up the opportunity to make our way back up into the top divisions, but overall we had a a very solid performance. The girls played with heart and passion.”

Paige Wood and Lillimae Brumble from Crook County both had solid tournaments. Wood led the team in kills with 79, while Brumble finished with 41. Wood also had 10 aces and 51 digs, while Brumble finished with 13 blocks.

Other players on the team included Addy Cummings, Ella Klos, Malia Hernandez, Kaydee Crawford, Ava Kaily and Audrey Sybesma.

Throughout the season the COVA 16 Nationals team had more players, but with the tournament happening in the summer the team was forced to play short-handed in Las Vegas. Still coach Wood was pleased with both the team's performance and how well players from different schools were able to play together.

“This group has worked hard all season and has been such a pleasure to coach,” she said. “Bringing schools from throughout Central Oregon together to join forces to compete at the top level is a very special experience.”