Northwest Junior Jamboree
February 25 & 26, 2006 @ Yakima, WA

This past weekend, February 25th and 26th, the Cowlitz Red 12U team took part in the Northwest Junior Jamboree, held in Yakima, WA. This tournament was an enormous tournament to take part in. The 12's tournament was spilt between two school gyms, Franklin Middle School and McClure Elementary School.

The girls participated in their first round of pool play at Franklin Middle School. After playing against Olympia 12 Extreme, Desert Stingers Gold, and Kamali'i, Cowlitz Red came out in 4th. However, this did not discourage the girls one bit. The second round of pool play took place on Sunday morning with Cowlitz Red competing against Pink Panthers, NIVBC 12 Oyez and Team Yakima Black. The girls goal for this pool play was to come out in third place.

This round of pool play was held at McClure Elementary School. The girls first played against NIVBC 12 Oyez, losing to them 23-25 and 16-25. Their next competitor was Pink Panthers, losing two games to them. Their last competitor was Team Yakima Black. This was one of the most exciting games the girls had ever played. Cowlitz Red took charge of the game early and won both games, 25-16 and 25-17. It was hard to tell whether the girls were more excited or the parents. You could see the pride from all players and parents on this accomplishment. After accomplishing this win, this put Cowlitz Red 12U in third place coming out of pool play.

Once pool play concluded, the girls headed to the Bracket II-B at Franklin Middle School. With the girls coming into bracket play in 3rd place, this enabled them to have a bye in the first round of bracket play and then play for 1st and 2nd place. In the girls' final competition, they took on Team Yakima Black again, defeating them 25-16 and 25-17. The girls had several awesome set-ups throughout the games, but the most memorable was a pass from Nicole Amren to setter Brooke Nevers, who set the ball up for Meredith Hickey, who made a great hit across the net. This was the first time the girls received first place in any tournament and it was a tremendous accomplishment for them.

The whole team did an awesome job performing during the tournament. Standouts for the team were Micah Jenkins, Nicole Amren, Brooke Nevers, Meredith Hickey, Kiri Griebel, Karissa Russell, Jennifer Hultgren, Maryah Kennedy, Chantel Grothen, and April Mitchell. Serving standouts were Brooke Nevers and Chantel Grothen.

Power League - February
BRONZE DIVISION
February 11, 2006 @ Mt Hood CC - Gresham, OR

Cowlitz Red participated in the Power League Tournament at Mt. Hood Community College, this past February 11th. The team began their pool play in the Bronze division against North Clackamas 11 Gold, North Clackamas 12 Silver and Bridgetown 12 Navy. Their first opponent was Bridgetown 12 Navy who won both games, 17-25 and 21-25. Cowlitz Red was really close in the second game, but just didn't have enough time to pull it through. Their second opponent was North Clackamas 11 Gold who won both games along with North Clackamas 12 Silver, who also won their games against Cowlitz Red. It seemed as if Cowlitz Red was having difficulty communicating during these games and it could have been that this tournament was just a little overwhelming with all the teams that were there. However, after pool play Cowlitz Red began pulling together as a team.

Cowlitz Red's first bracket match was against Athena. This team was a worthy opponent for Cowlitz and Cowlitz game this team a run for their money losing to them 25-16 and 25-17. Their last game of the tournament was against North Clackamas 11 Silver. North Clackamas was able to win this game 25-17.

Even though this team did not come out on top in the end, there was some great playing by all players. Top servers for the team that day were Brooke Nevers, and Chantal Grothen. Passing standouts were Micah Jenkins, Nicole Amren, Meredith Hickey, Kiri Griebel, Karissa Russell, Jennifer Hultgren and April Mitchell. This team continues to drive forward in their playing goals and teamwork. Their desire for the sport shows in their playing.

Athletes Corner Tournament
February 5, 2006 @ Mt Solo Middle School - Longview, WA

Cowlitz Red 12's continue to better themselves every tournament they participate in. They began the season slow and behind others, but have met their goals each and every tournament that we have played in.

Cowlitz Red began the Athletes Corner Volleyball Tournament, held at Mt. Solo Middle School, on February 5, 2006, in a great team pool. Their first two matches were against Lakeside and North Clackamas 12's Silver. These teams were seeded 1st and 2nd in their team pool and were highly skilled, but Cowlitz Red was able to hold their own. Even though they lost their matches to these teams, Cowlitz Red showed how hard they have been working at practices and tournaments by setting the ball up several times throughout these matches. This was a great accomplishment for this team because at the beginning of the season this was a task that they were unable to accomplish. They have come a long ways in two months.

In the 3rd pool match, Cowlitz Red was able to meet their goal of the day by winning one of their sets against Evergreen. The first set was won by Evergreen, but this did not discourage the girls, they came back and won the second set 26 to 24. The win was a great motivation to the team. This win showed the girls that all their hard work and practice was finally paying off. They also realized that even though they did not win the tournament, they came away winners because they were able to accomplish the goal they had set for themselves.

Once pool play ended, Cowlitz Red's first team they took on in bracket play was North Clackamas 11's Silver. Cowlitz Red, once again, gave Silver a run for their money, losing the first game 24 to 26 and the second game 18 to 25. Unfortunately, when communication breaks down, it can take a toll on a team.

Even though this team did not come out on top in the end, there was some great playing by all players. Top servers for the team that day were Brooke Nevers, Chantal Grothen and Kiri Griebel. Passing stand-outs were Micah Jenkins, Nicole Amren, Meredith Hickey, Kiri Griebel, Karissa Russell, Jennifer Hultgren and April Mitchell. There were also great setting attempts by Brooke Nevers and Chantal Grothen. Between the both of these girls, this team was able to set up the ball several times throughout the day. This team had some great team work that they can be proud of. I think we are going to see some great things from this team, keep it up girls!