THE CHANDLER ARIZONAN | WWW.CHANDLERNEWS.COM | OCTOBER 17, 2021
Sports
SPORTS 33
Hamilton volleyball makes eye-opening statement on national stage BY ZACH ALVIRA Arizonan Sports Editor
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t isn’t the first time Hamilton High School’s girls’ volleyball team has competed at a national level with topranked teams from around the country. And it certainly won’t be the last. But the most recent tournament the Huskies were invited to be a part of, the Geico Girls’ Volleyball Invitational, had a bit of a different feel than those the Huskies have played in in year’s past. The tournament featured Mount Notre Dame High School from Ohio, one of the top teams in its home state. It also included Assumption High School from Kentucky which is not only one of the top teams in its home state but the No. 6 team in the country. Lastly, Marymount from Los Angeles, Calif., the top-ranked team in the nation, also took part. It was a four-team tournament that included some of the nation’s best. And Hamilton, the No. 23 ranked team heading into it, shined. “I’m so proud,” said Hamilton head coach Sharon Vanis, who almost became choked up thinking about her team’s performance. “This has been nothing but a great experience for our kids and it makes us better and better. We play like that day in and day out some good things could happen.” Hamilton kicked off the tournament on Friday, Oct. 8 with a come-from-behind win over Assumption. The Huskies found themselves down 2-1 before winning two straight sets to upset one of the best teams in the nation. The win advanced Hamilton to the championship match to face top-ranked Marymount Saturday night. The match was televised nationally on ESPNU. It was the second time in less than a month ESPN’s cameras focused in on Hamilton. In September, the Husky football program hosted Las Vegas power Bishop Gorman,
us special,” Tate said. “We have a bond on and off the court. That bond off the court carries on to it. Especially with the talent we have, it all just comes together.” Tate, who transferred from Skyline two seasons ago, never imagined she would have competed in and won a state title followed by an appearance on ESPNU in a top tournament. But those are the types of opportunities Vanis and Hamilton, like other teams, aim to provide for their players. The national competition helps Hamilton see a variety of looks on the Left: Hamilton’s girls’ volleyball program made a statement last weekend in the Geico Girls’ Volleyball Invitacourt. In Vanis’ eyes, that tional, beating sixth-ranked Assumption from Kentucky and going toe-to-toe with top-ranked Marymount from California. Right: Hamilton coach Sharon Vanis said she was proud of the way her team competed in helps the team in the the national tournament. She believes if they continue to play at a high level thay can once again win a 6A long run when they begin the meat of their AIA state title. (Dave Minton/Arizonan Staff) schedule. Every team Vanis has much in a 3-1 defeat for the tournament the No. 7 ranked team at the time. coached has had its own personality. But if Down 24-7 with just over a minute title. it’s one thing they have in common is their Still, Hamilton’s players didn’t hang to play, the Huskies scored 18 straight works ethic. This year’s team is led by nine points to win in dramatic fashion. Just their heads about the performance. Afseniors, the most ever on the Hamilton like the football program, volleyball ter all, they had just virtually gone toe varsity roster. It’s their leadership and exto toe with the nation’s best team. Hamshowed its ability to fight. perience that has helped this team emerge “I absolutely loved playing against such ilton’s national ranking increased to 18 as a national power this year. high-caliber competition, all the teams after the tournament. And while it won’t be an easy road While it is nice to be recognized, that here are great,” said senior outside hitwith the likes of O’Connor, Perry and ter Jordan Middleton, a USC volleyball isn’t the main focus of the players. DeXavier still looming, Vanis believes this commit. “Playing against the No. 6 team, mya Tate, who was key for Hamilton in year’s team once again can sit atop the that was a fun match for us. I think we the championship match, said the expe6A Conference at the end of the season. really learned a lot. And I thought we did rience of playing out of state teams has “They kind of messed up showing me led to this year’s group to be as confident really good against the No. 1 team. the level of play they were capable of, so “It’s a really good feeling to know what as ever. Earlier in the season Hamilton now I expect them to play like that every we are capable of. I think it really helps played several out-of-state opponents in night,” Vanis said. “If they do, we should a tournament. Beyond that, the Huskies us improve.” hopefully win another title. But there’s Marymount dominated the first set, started the season losing three of their teams out there that can beat us. If we but Hamilton bounced back to win the first five matches before rattling off 21 bring our level of intensity, we should be second 28-26. The Huskies continued straight wins before Marymount. OK.” “I think our chemistry is what makes to battle but the Sailors proved to be too
