The Gators
traveled all the way out to the northwest Valley community of Surprise, played
a 4 p.m. match against host Valley Vista and cris-crossed back to Tempe’s
Arizona Grand Resort to attend the opening ceremonies of the 10th
annual Nike Tournament of Champions.
For those
wondering what became of the Gators, coach Lamar-Renee Bryant answered that
with a three-word text after the team arrived in Tempe.
“We made
it!’’ she said.
The Gators
were due to play three matches on Friday (Sept. 21) at ASU’s Sun Devil Fitness
Center in Pool D of the 96-team event (31 from Arizona). They will be back for
more on Saturday (Sept. 22) as bracket play begins.
Xavier is
12-2 overall and 7-0 in Arizona after its three-game sweep of Valley Vista,
25-14, 25-8 and 25-13.
“We were
able to get everyone into the match and it gave us some good preparation for
the Nike,’’ Bryant said.
Xavier got
strong play from senior libero Ashley Yeung, senior setter Shannon Shields,
senior outside hitter Hayley Nash and sophomore outside hitter Serena Turner.
The Gators also looked good on defense.
Shields was
one of six players (the only one from Arizona) honored with a presentation of
her accomplishments during the Nike opening ceremonies. She will play as a
freshman for the University of Louisville starting in 2019.
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