15 IGNITE Rebounds at Leetonia – Gold Bracket!

In just their second tournament together, Coach Mandy’s team came out strong this past Saturday morning at Leetonia High School. In a field of twelve OVR teams from various parts of our region, IGNITE won their first two matches in convincing fashion.

“Once a young team starts to get a few wins,” said Club Director Gary Underwood, “their belief in themselves and their team can grow from there – I’m excited for them!” Coaches Mandy Dale and Adyson Thomas were so encouraged by the girls’ efforts, communication, positivity, and resilience.

The team welcomed back Middle Blocker Gwenn Reinford, a force that other 15U teams will have to reckon with. Lake’s energetic trio of Kendal Ostapowicz (Captain), Laila Wisener (Libero), and Abby Rowe (Setter) kept the offense moving and the attacks on point. Hitters like Alaina Conn, Maci Thompson, and Alithia Pertsinides seemed to be everywhere making plays. GlenOak’s Paityn Lewis and Marley Swihart chipped in with some terrific passing and hitting from all over the court.

When asked which position stood out the most, Underwood – who watched at home on our livestream while recovering from a sinus infection – simply said, “all of them stood out! That’s the point of volleyball. Every position matters. Every player has to stay locked in, communicating, and ready to help out. Mandy’s team already gets that.

IGNITE clinched their first of hopefully many Gold Bracket berths, earning a first-round faceoff against a stubborn team from Infinity. The first set was a tight battle, with Rogue330 falling just short 23-25.

The team plans to build on this weekend’s momentum and get ready for another OVR 15 Regional showdown in two weeks at Elite Sports Ohio on March 1st.