A last minute tournament entry by the Sting 15 White (2.07) team meant an upset to the rest of the teams participating in the UW Parkside 15 Tournament on Saturday February 8. The team’s last minute entry was a result of the forfeiture by another team leaving a hole in the pool play portion of the event.

Lead by Captains Alyssa Kurth (OH #23), Elyse Keating (OH/DS/S, #6), and resident setter Mal O’Halloran (S, #2) the team went undefeated throughout the entire tournament, beating every opponent in 2 sets. Assisting in the victory were two OH canon-arm swingers Amanda Applequist (OH, #24) and Allison Barnes (OH, #17), 2 hired gun sniper middle hitters, long time veteran Sarah Campbell (MH, #15) and short time rookie Amanda Hansen (MH, #28), and 2 back row specialists digger extraordinaire sensation Mary Bogdanski (L, #30) and the seemingly clairvoyant coverage queen Rachel Tesch (DS/RS, #12).

The only player missing from the court for most of the day was resident and long time setter Kirsten Siladi (S, #18), who suffered an ankle injury just prior to the teams last outing at the Badger Tour. Though she did participate on a limited basis at the Saturday’s tourney, the coaches restricted her play to rest her and her ankle for next weekend’s President’s Day Weekend Spectacular to be held at the Dells Center in the Wisconsin Dells. In true Kirstie style, she cheered her team on from the bench on Saturday, though obviously saddened by her needed rest “I want to play, but I know I need to rest for next weekend,” Kirstie responded when discussing her participation with Coach Haley on the bench. “Kirsten’s injury has left a hole in our team that has not been easy to fill, but we plan on working her hard this week to get her and her ankle in good shape for the President’s Day Spectacular. Her much lessened court time today a preventative measure since next weekend’s tournament with require a lot from her,” commented Coach Haley.

Coaches Chellie deGelleke and Teri Haley made the decision to enter the tournament as more of a competitive practice for the team. “We are cross training quite a few of the girls on other positions based upon talent and natural instincts. This last minute tournament entry allowed us a competitive “practice” to work out some of the bugs in our play, and some of the athletes in newer positions, enabling us to be a MUCH stronger team going into next weekend’s BIG GAME!” remarked Coach deGelleke. “I am encouraged by the girls play today,” remarked Coach Haley, “We lost a few of the girls for the last match, but the rest of them really stepped up and took control of the final sets. The win this weekend is a HUGE confidence booster going into next weekend’s tournament. We are as ready as we can be – BRING IT ON!”

When asked about the teams preparedness for next weekend’s matches, there was a resounding confidence in each of the players and coaches voices though some of the comments may not be fit for print Though it is unclear whether the girls are more excited about the tournament play, or the hot tub adorned suite, planned spa and dinner nights, and water park at Chula Vista resort, one thing is certain, 15 White will come out swinging against every team next weekend and will not quit until they have given their all. GO STING!

Day 1’s pool play saw wins against Team St. Louis, 1st Alliance and A5 from Atlanta. Day 2’s 1st match was a win against St. Louis CYC. The second match was a loss against the first seed KIVA. The third place finish was a win against Michigan Elite.

In the drawing to the right, artist Darrell Frank, paints a moment of game play capturing Rachel Neuberger’s athletic prowess in action. This depicts a moment when a ball bounced onto the court during play and Rachel had enough dexterity to catch the ball and have the presence of mind to continue on with her blocking assignment, albeit handicapped by the duality of the situation. When asked about this, Rachel said, “I just didn’t want anyone to get hurt by jumping on the ball”. An honorable response. Others suspected however that maybe if she didn’t get the block she was going to use the trapped ball, casually rolling it onto the other side of the net, and plead to the ref that she got the block so fast that she couldn’t see it. We will never know the truth.

[Coach Frank has indicated he is available for portraits. $50 / Sitting and a $25 Wardrobe and makeup consultation fee.]

Sting's own Toni Johnson, 14 Black coach, is engaged! After telling her parents this weekend at the President's Day Spectacular on Valentine's Day, she told her team! We are all so happy for Toni! :) Toni plans on setting the wedding date around her club and high school volleyball coaching schedule, which means a summer wedding maybe in 2010!

Milwaukee Sting 18 Gold MH, Ashley Applequist has made her verbal commitment to the University of Houston Cougars volleyball program. Ashley credits her keen sense of balance on the Bosu ball on Monday nights helped her realize her cat-like personna was perfect for a program named Cougar. University of Houston is an NCAA Division I school competing in the Conference USA conference. Congratulations Ashley!

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