club zia volleyball

Teams
- ZVL
- Boys 18's
- Boys 16's
- 18-1
- 18-2
- 17-1
- Zia Queen Creek
- 16-1
- 16-2
- 16-Surprise
- 15-1
- 15-2
- 15-Kim
- 14-1
- 14-2
- 13-1
- 12-1
- 2008 Travel Info
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Eclipse Takes Lessons from SoCal Adventure

The 14 Eclipsers learned a lot about being athletes and competing over the April 11-13th SoCal Qualifier, lessons that will help them on their athletic journeys to come.

After a bus ride filled with excitement, chick flix and karaoke, we pulled into Santa Ana Thursday afternoon, leaving most loved ones and AIMS testing behind. After a dinner at Downtown Disney, the team woke up for a quick excursion Friday morning at Newport and then Huntington Beach. After a lunch on the pier at Ruby’s, we headed back to the hotel to ready ourselves for why we’d come.

Our first match was against Southern California’s RipCurls 14’s in the American Sports Center in Anaheim, our venue for all our matches as it turned out. We played nervous but rallied late in game one, keeping the score respectable 21-25. In the second game, we came to life, playing more inspired and forcing a third set, 25-19. In the third, we staked RipCurls to a big lead, 11-5. But some timely serving and living the mantra from the coaches of “Don’t play not to lose, play to win” seemed to pay off. We came from way behind and shocked them 19-17 in the third.

Next up was the Mavericks 14’s of SoCal. We came out and played the best game of our season. We demolished them 25-11 with our tough serves, our potent offense and our defense which let nothing hit the floor. Game two, we got overconfident and didn’t finish them when we had the chance. Too many silly mistakes and not being able to raise the level of our game with theirs cost us 19-25. The third set, we were finished. We played uninspired and lost 9-15. Second lesson learned, when you have a team down, put them away!

The third match on day one saw us take the Power Play 14-1’s team from SoCal (sensing a trend here?) to the limit in game 1, losing 22-25. They were good, very good. But in game two, we just didn’t show up. No excuses, just a 9-25 smoking! We ordered pizzas back in the rooms and readied ourselves for another day.

After a quick morning jaunt to Fashion Island, the team came back for day two. We had a team drop from our pool, so we were playing in a three team pool with three games to 25 no matter what.

To be honest, the volleyball Saturday was bad. We beat SoCal’s Edge 14-1’s 25-10, 25-17 in the first two. But we again let up, and stopped transitioning with purpose and got caught by their strategy of hitting the ball over on one every time. Another lesson learned as we lost 23-25.

Our only other match Saturday was against mPower’s 14’s, also from-you guessed it, SoCal. This was worse. The level of play was maybe the worse we’d seen from any team all season. We won handily 25-16, 25-18, 25-8, but we had played much better and harder the first day. We were 2-0, finished early and headed to Spoons for a sit down dinner, our last of the trip.

Sunday morning, we headed back to the ASC, also known as the “sauna” for our final match against our only non SoCal team, the East Valley 14-Kim team from Arizona. It was a back and forth match; lots of service runs, not a lot of offense or defense from either side. We lost in two despite some solid comebacks in both games, 23-25, 20-25. Our SoCal adventure was done.

So on we go for the last month of the season. We’ve hit a bit of a malaise the past few weeks, but as we head into the final lap, we are ramping it up. Practices will be a bit harder, a bit more skill oriented and we’ll be ready to show our mettle at our next Region shindig.

Huge thanks to Micah who really seemed to enjoy the newly formed national holiday, “Be Nice to Micah Day’, now celebrated every April 13th. (Cards and gifts can be purchased at your local Hallmark) And also to Michele who keeps 20 things in the air at once despite being 13 years old. Amazing.

Finally, a HUGE THANKS to the Room Mom’s who sacrifice sleep, money, clothing, food, hearing and time with their loved ones to help us make these excursions fun for the kids as well as the coaches. If there were medals involved, you all would be wearing gold. Kim, Vicki, Cathy and Mary, thank you!

Till next time sports fans….

Thanksgiving Day Hike Pictues

Carli, (Sister Lacee), Alex, Haley, Micah, Stephanie, Dom and Hannah braved the elements for the Thanksgiving Day hike on March 1st. Well done ladies.....

Eclipse Shows Mettle in Championship #3

Zia’s 14-Eclipse put together the best Saturday of volleyball of their young season, taking third in the Championship #3 tournament held at Kingdom Courts on the afternoon of February 23rd.

The Eclipse took the court first against the Mesa 16-1’s team. With some lethal serving and great hustle, we dropped Mesa 25-12 in game one. Game two was closer, but the girls battled hard and ran away at the end 25-12. The match saw Haley came up big with her serving and Alex and Stephanie with some clutch swings and serves. McCall, who would play libero the whole day, did an amazing job. Karra, Emily and Carli rotated setting duties and seemed to improve with each set.

Next up was the team that has become our “white whale”. The Az. Sky 13-Black team. They are such a talented bunch, despite being so young. They don’t let balls drop, get every ball over and force you into making mistakes. The last time we played them, they bombed us. But we kept our composure this time and played them evenly…for a while. Despite losing at 18 and 17, we felt it was as good a match as we’ve played all season as far as being aggressive and assertive.

So, in order for us to move up a division, we had to again play a team older than us, the Eclipse 15’s. Hannah was a wall at the net, disrupting any tight balls, and With Brooke back from her wedding, (we told her she was too young), and getting some key contributions from Giselle, Dom and Alexa, we handed the older girls a 25-17, 25-20 loss.

We finished 3rd for the tournament and will move up for the next tournament. That makes 3 tournaments and 3 moves up for the Eclipse, who has also beaten the last 3 older teams they’ve faced. Congratulations to these ladies who showed their mettle and their ever improving game this Saturday.

And special thanks to our amazing parents who kept us all fed throughout the day and night. You guys continue to be great parents and role models for these Eclipse.

Till next time…

Eclipse Battles Off Day to Place

The 14-Eclipse moved up in competition in the Championship division and came away with a second place finish at Kingdom Courts on February 9th.

The Day started with the 4th seeded Eclipse officiating and then taking on the Arizona Grand Canyon Jrs. 14-1’s team. We didn’t play our best and the troopers that they are, battled through it. They held off the stubborn Grand Canyon 14’s with some deft and aggressive serving in the first game 28-26 and finished off the match in the same fashion, using some tough serves to put Grand Canyon down, 25-21.

In the next match, we played the AZVC 15-Ray, their 15-1’s team. Not sure what happened in the 8 minutes between us beating Grand Canyon and starting this match, but a horrendous case of amnesia must have crept into the gym. We forgot how to serve aggressively if not all together, we forgot how to receive serve and for the most part, couldn’t get a ball across the net to save us. We flamed out in game one 17-25.

Game two, you could see we were beginning to regain our consciousness. We started serving tougher, our serve receive came back together and we won going away 25-18 setting up a third set.

In the third set, no team led by more than a couple of points the whole time. But in the end, again, it was aggressive serving at big points and staying aggressive at the end when other teams tend to play it safe; we walked away winners, 16-14.

We next played a very talented team, the Az. Sky 13-Black team. Not a whole lot to say here. They were fundamentally more sound than we were and more disciplined in defense and offense. We are just not at their level yet, but that’s why we practice and play. They bounced us 16 and 17. We’ll move up with them at the next tournament and be able to gauge our improvement if we play them again.

Overall a great day. Good work by all. Thanks again to the catering squad who keeps the girls fed and hydrated throughout the day…they need it. And thanks to Micah for stepping in and taking over the team at the beginning of the day. He did a Yeoman’s job.

Till the 23rd of February….

Eclipse shows Moxie in Region’s First Tourney

The Eclipse showed their true colors on Saturday, January 26th at Kingdom Courts when it won its first Region Championship tournament of the 2008 season.

Our afternoon started off a bit shorthanded as Alexa was battling some strain of a disease know one has discovered yet, and Karra, (the big cheese), McCall and Emily were at their softball tournaments for their schools. So fielding just 8 players, we took to our pool.

We dispatched of the Desert Sky 13-Cyclones team in 25-7, 25-11 with some overpowering serving. It also marked Dom’s first foray into playing middle blocker.

Next up, we took on the Starling’s Team Az. 14’s team from the Salvation Army. Again, our serving dominated the match. Haley and Hannah scored regulated on them and we again beat a team we should have, 25-7, 25-14.

Our final match of the day was against the Az. Sky 14-Blue team. We haven’t had much success against any Az. Sky team so far this season, but the match started out just the opposite. We took the first game 25-21, despite leading 22-11 at one point. Our serve receive demons came back to haunt us and nearly gave them a huge come from behind win. McCall and Emily had made it back for the final match and they contributed mightily. But in the second set, the demons exposed us. They served and played much more aggressively and we didn’t respond, losing the second set 20-25.

The third set, the team was still reeling. We fell behind 9-3 and at 13-7 we called a time out, the match seemingly out of sight. We talked about how we wanted to finish? The team decided coming out of the time out that playing aggressive was the only way back in. And with each point, we scored, Az. Sky tightened up. Carli got up at 13-8 and served bullet after bullet. Alex had some remarkable digs in left back and Giselle and Dom had some amazing gets in the back row. Brooke and Carli’s sets were spot on and made it easy for Haley and Hannah to pound the middle swing after swing. Stephanie had a HUGE swing down the line at 11-13 to pull us within one. A mistake by Sky pulled us even. Carli’s next big serve led to a free ball and a kill from Haley cross court to take the lead by one. Again, Carli’s big serve was tough to return, and Sky netted on match point to finish the most improbable of comebacks.

What’s great about wins like this is that they are team wins. Every single player that played all day contributed to our 3-0 evening. The team rallied around each other, even when things looked bleak, and it’s what will keep us moving forward for the rest of the season.

Thanks to Micah and Michele as they do so much unheralded stuff behind the scenes for the girls and their success. And a HUGE thanks again to the Parents who once again showed that you don’t have to be an obnoxious maniac to show support for your daughter’s team. A special thanks to Dom’s parentals who fed the Champions after their 3 set win. It was much appreciated!

Next up, February 9th at a sight to be named later. Stay tuned………..

Alex has been playing volleyball for two years and likes to play as an outside or a libero. Her favorite player is Nina Reeves who was an outside hitter for ASU. Her role model is her mom because she is always thinking of others. In her free time she likes to be on myspace talking to “cute boys” (I added it but it’s probably true). Her favorite song is Sadie Hawkins Dance by Relient K. If she could have a super power it would be super unreal speed so that she could get out of trouble or go talk to boys (I added that too). She is very intelligent and musical because she plays the piano and Kazoo! One interesting moment in her life was when she and her sister took out this tree in Wyoming while riding on a quad. Her most embarrassing moment was when she tried to kick her friends back pack while sneaking up on her and almost falls by slipping on a bottle cap. MICAH SPIKA
	Alexa Michelle Garden (14 as of November 6th), is a frosh at Liberty High School. Last year, she played for Arrowhead (bleegghhh) as a middle and left side. Her pastimes include cheer and listening to rock! She has two sisters and three dogs!! Her favorite food equals spaghetti and she loves Diet Coke and Frosted Flakes. The Box Car Children is her favorite book series and her favorite Disney movie is Beauty and the Beast. Her bestest friend is Taylor!! She loves the brands Skin, Hollister, and Famous and when asked how many shoes she owned she said, “TOO many to count!!!” -Haley
Brooke goes to Oakwood elementary, and her favorite subject is P.E.She was born in Arizona. She has a 4 year old sister names Brynne. When she was younger her parents called her Pumpkin. Brooke wears a 8 1/2 size shoe. Other hobbies that she has are playing softball and going to Polar Ice. Her favorite types of food and drink are Cheerios, Taco Bell, pepperoni pizza,Doritos,and Virgin Pina Colada's. Brooke's favorite television show is I love New York on MTV,favorite song is This is for Real,favorite singer Chris Brown.She likes to go to the movies and she comedies.Her favorite car is lime green convertible. Brooke's favorite holiday is Christmas. Favorite board game Yahtzee. By Steph
	Carli Brady has been playing volleyball for 5 years as a setter. She currently attends Westpointe Middle School and will attend Willow Canyon High School in the fall. Her favorite candy is snickers and her favorite thing to dring is Dr. Pepper. Carli is also a published author at the age of 13. By Michele
Dominique What’s your favorite movie? -All you’ve got What’s your favorite song? -“Low” by Flo Rida Do you have any pets? -Yes, two dogs, two cats, and a water turtle Where is your favorite place to shop? -Hollister What’s your favorite food? -Pizza How long have you been playing volleyball? -Two years Is this your first year of club? -Yes What do you like to do when you’re not on the court? -I like gymnastics, figure skating, basketball, and karate [BROOKE] <33
	Michele Anderson is a great libero that has been playing volleyball for 5 years. She is looking forward to having fun and learning from the girls and other coaches this season. Her favorite childhood toy is a trampoline and hero is Karch Kiraly. Michele's favorite movie is Tristan and Isolde. If she could have a super power, Michele would want to be able to produce as many chicken nuggets as possible. Her favorite candy is a Reese's. Michele can't wait for Christmas and she's never met a girl with feet bigger than hers. First Single by the Format is her favorite song. Working with Michele will make this a great season! -Alex
1. What's your full name? Emily Brianne Wakeford 2. How many brothers or sisters do you have (or are you an only child?).. 2 big brothers and one big sister 3. How old are you? 14 4. When is your birthday? October 26 5. What position do you play in volleyball? Middle 6. What is the weirdest food you have ever tried? Peanut on pancakes and waffles(it is surprisingly good) 7. Favorite music artist(s)? Taylor Swift or Carrie Underwood 8. Favorite movie? A Walk to Remember 9. Prefered brand of clothing? American Eagle 10. Favorite Disney movie? Peter Pan 11. Pepsi or Coke? Pepsi 12. What grade are you in? 8 13. Celebrity crush? Jeremy Sumpter (Peter Pan) 14. Favorite pastime, besides volleyball? Horse-back riding 15. Favorite TV show? Gilmore Girls 16. Favorite book or series? Chestnut Hill and Heartland(same author) 17. Favorite breakfast cereal? Coco Krispies 18. Favorite food? Pizza 19. Favorite drink? Dr.Pepper 20. Who is your best friend? McCall 21. What school do you attend? Paseo Verde 22. Ever played club volleyball before? If so, for how many years and with what club(s)? No 23. Have any pets? Yes,3 dogs, 2cats, 1 tortoise 24. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Hawaii 25. What is your favortie subject in school? P.E alexa babe :]
	Giselle: Giselle's favorite possition to play in volleyball is setter. her favorite ice cream is cookie dough ice cream. besides volleyball giselle likes dance and soccer. Her favorite subject is math. she goes to sun valley school. giselle doen't have any type of favorite music, she likes it all. Her favorite song is Appologize by One Republic. Giselle likes reality tv. one of her favorites is I love New York. Giselle's favorite holiday is christmas. Her favorite movie is trasformers. Giselles favorite color is light blue. She has never played club volleyball before until this year. Her birthday is Dec. 13, and she is 13. Giselle was born in AZ and has no pets. Her favorite perfume is Paris Hilton's. Giselle's favorite type of volleyball is a tachikara. Giselle brings a lunch to school everyday. She has 2 siblings. a little sister that is 11 and an older sister that is 17. her walls in her room are pink. she has 4 trophies. On a daily basis she wears flip flops, but for volleyball she likes to wear nikes. Her favorite book is the golden compas. by: dominique <3 :]
Favorite Movie: The Princess Bride Favorite Show: Heroes and Lost Favorite Place to shop at: American Eagle and Target Favorite Cereal: Special K and Coco Puffs Favorite Place to eat: Dillions Middle Name: Milan School: Oasis Elementary Favorite Color: Torquise When's she's not playing volleyball she likes to: Shop and hang out with friends Thanks, Karra
	Hannah is a well experienced player with 5 years of club under her belt. She likes playing front middle. Her favorite color is purple, like a plum. Hannah likes almost anything that has chocolate. Her favorite show is Hannah Montana. Get it Hannah likes Hannah Montana! Outside of playing volleyball she likes to hang out with her friends. Frontier is the school she attends. Hannah’s favorite band is Sum 41. Her favorite subject/class is lunch. She likes the movie National Treasure. Hannah has never ever dyed her hair. Her favorite actress/ role model is Martha Stewart. She is 1 of 10 children in her family, she’s not the oldest but not the youngest, she’s in the middle. Hannah’s birthday is February 3 and she is 13 years old. She also has a hairless kitty cat. By: Carli
Micah is an athlete for sure, he plays all kinds of sports such as tennis, raquetball, badminton, baseball, and softball. He's been playing volleyball since he was a senior in high school. His position in volleyball is opposite or right side hitter. His favorite volleyball player is no other than Jason Ring, because Micah says "he hops out of the roof." One of Micah's favorite songs is Belive by Bravery. His favorite color is green. Micah favorite dessert is ice cream. His favorite movies are I am Sam and Cinderalla Man. by: ♥○Giselle○♥
	Favorite movie- alot of ones and i cant choose one Favorite food-pizza Favorite book- the notebook Siblings-older sister Favorite subject in school-science Favorite TV show-Hannah Montana Least favorite food- pickles Favorite show School grades-a's and b's What do you like to do when not playing volleyball- softball Your age-14 Birthday-sep. 30 School-Desert Valley Middle name- nicole Favorite movie star- zac efron Lifes ambition-go to college and get a good job ♥HANNAH SMITH♥
McCall Rose Sponse Favorite movie: Legally Blonde Favorite Cereal: Trix When not playing volleyball I…: Goofing around or sleeping Favorite school subject (ick): don’t have one Least Favorite subject: Social Studies Favorite color: Pink Favorite actor: Cody Linley Favorite TV show: The Hills Brothers and Sisters: 2 brothers Birthday: October 25 Best Friend: Emily Wakeford Favorite drink: Vitamin Water or Propel Volleyball Position: left Celebrity cutie? Cody Linley Favorite animal: Dog Favorite wild animal: lepeord Pets: one dog-midnight Favorite Song: No one-Alicia Keys Favorite Ice-cream: Chocolate chip cookie dough Favorite store: Hollister Favorite Book: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Favorite Card game: Liar Role Model: MY MOMMY By Emily Wakeford
	Favorite movie? Disturbia What are your hobbies besides volleyball? Basketball Who’s your celebrity crush? Zac Efron What school do you go to? Centennial Favorite song? Girlfriend by Bow Wow and Omarion Favorite food? Nachos Favorite subject in school? Math Favorite position in volleyball? Middle What other sports do you like? Basketball Favorite color? Blue Favorite holiday? Halloween Favorite number? 5 Favorite drink? Diet coke Favorite place to shop? Hollister Favorite flavor of ice cream? Cookies and Cream Favorite singer? Alicia Keys Favorite vacation spot? California Interviewed by: McCall