Matrix sparkles in AAU youth volleyball showcase

The Matrix Volleyball Academy showed that it can compete with the nation’s best during the recent Amateur Athletic Union Disney Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

Joining more than 170 teams from throughout the southeastern United States, the Matrix contingent had nine of its12teams reach the Gold Round, from which participants could vie for medals. Two Matrix teams won their divisions, while two others earned bronze medals.

The Elite 13s and Elite 12s teams won gold medals. Members of those teams are (Elite 13s/Coach Luis Pico): Gracie Allison, Ashley Arenal, Myah Gerry, Casey Hall, Mary Koenig, Sydni Mingo, Savana Rae Pettit, Natalia Pico, Bailey Rydzewski and Blair Sullivan; and (Elite 12s/Coach Julia Ridley) Alex Starr, Taylor Keating, Brooke Lohuis, Cindy Ripoll, Chloe Zeno, Megan Keating, Julie Piedra, Maddi Bobes and Sammy Beauparlant.

The Elite 16s, coached by Dave Palm, reached the championship game and placed second. Team members are Dalana Adams, Rebecca Binion, Caitlin Drake, Cathryn Knapp, Tayler O’Halloran, Nicole Ripoli, Sarah Seldomridge, Taylor Starr, Dallas Seidman, Taylor Starr andKealeyWik.

The Elite Alpha 16s, coached by Brian Tillman, reached the semifinals and placed third. Team members are SamanthaDadamo, Elisabeth Elder, Lauren Grzywna, Julia Lewkowicz, Ashley Marvel, Taylor Mineo, Nicole Navarro, Alessandra Pazos, Kelly Marie Schafenacker, Kaitlyn Smith and Kaci Tansey.

Coach Mike Cabeza’s Elite 18s, Austin Clubb’s Elite 15s, Gretchen Duffner’s Elite 14s and Mandy Storm’s Regional 15s all reached the Gold Round quarterfinals and finished fifth.

Members of those teams are:

Briana Blankhorst, Jenna Cusack, Jessica Emile, Claramanoora Emile, Alexandra Scheiber, Hanna Rae Seldomridge, HaleyToler, AllisonYao and Molly Yao.

Bailey Babowica, Kelsey Dessingue, Sam Gott, Daisia Grafton, Megan Hamilton, Kayla Keating, Kelsie Lahr, Sullivan Maney, Hannah Mutcher, Alexa Nelson, Carla Pico and Jasmine Souverein-Rei.

Monet Butler, Kirstin Colwell, Kendall Hamilton, Taylor Lambert, Mia Nicholson, Kayla Schmitz, Carlie Stone, MorganStubblefieldandBrooke Williams.

Heidi Bauer, Kyla Blankhorst, Taynara Dias, Gianna Gutierrez, Alexis Kerr, Gabbi Mucerino, Alyssa Peer, Emily Schlecker, Hannah Sherbacoff and Lauren Toler.

The Regional 13s, coached by Nelson Wright, competing in their first outof-area two-day tournament, also reached the Gold Round. Team members are Martina Cavard, Karoline Frias, Jeanae Ganthier, Gillian Gutierrez, JordanMills, Mya Morales and Jennah Wallen.

“The weekend was a big success for the club, racking upsomegreat finishes,” said Pico, whoalso serves as club director for theMatrix.

The Matrix teams draw