By Jeff Gardenour
PrepVolleyball
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hometown Metro Volleyball Club of DC served up some golden performances on President’s Day in the final day of the 17th annual Capitol Hill Classic at the Walter Washington Convention Center.
Metro DC entered the three-day tournament as the No. 1 seed in each of the top four age-group Open divisions (15s, 16s, 17s and 18s) and walked away with three championships. The three-day tournament drew nearly 1,000 teams from throughout the Atlantic Coast, Northeast, Midwest, South and even Puerto Rico and Canada.
Metro 18 Travel won the oldest-age group in decisive fashion, sweeping all 10 opponents to win the championship, including four on the final day in the Gold bracket.
The DC team defeated Paramount Volleyball Club 25-21, 25-15, for the title. The Keystone State squad had nine won consecutive sweeps before losing to Metro. Sixteen teams made up the Gold bracket, determined by two rounds of pool play on Saturday and Sunday.
Metro DC also recorded 10 straight sweeps to win the 17 Open division. The hometown squad beat CJV 17 Ed/Vanessa (Carolina Juniors of North Carolina), 25-17, 25-19, for the championship.
In 15 Open, Metro DC went 9-0, including 3-0 in the Gold bracket. Metro won seven matches by sweep, including a 25-22, 26-24 victory against Criollas of Puerto Rico in the final.
Pennsylvania also came away a winner as Pittsburgh Elite 16 1 defeated EliteVBTC Black of Ohio, 25-19, 25-19, for the 16 Open championship.
Here are the players who are shined on the final day:
18 OPEN
SUPERNOVAS
Arleigh Hanson, Rightside Hitter, Metro 18 Travel — Exceptional athlete drives the ball very hard, especially from the right side. Her aggressive play keeps her team’s offense buzzing.
Briell Kemavor, Middle Blocker, Metro 18 Travel — Technically, one of the best players in the tournament. Utilizes her size and good court awareness to hammer defenses.
Rylah Robinson, Outside Hitter, Paramountvbc 18 1 – Scrappy front-row player knows when and how to make a play for the Virginia team. Strong arm, coupled with good court vision, make her a valuable offensive weapon.
Chloe Wilmot, Setter, Paramountvbc 18 1 – Solid player sets up her teammates for success on a consistent basis. Precision sets and good timing make her a true floor leader.
Elliet Manning, Setter, EC…