Costa girls volleyball competed in the annual Ann Kang Invitational Tournament in Oahu, Hawaii on Aug. 10. The team was victorious for the second year in a row without the help of its integral player, senior setter Charlie Fuerbringer.
After training all summer, this tournament was the girls’ first time playing together as a team, kicking off the high school season. The first game was against Cornerstone Christian High School (CCHS), where the Mustangs won in the final game. According to senior middle hitter Rachel Moglia, the team trained all summer to prepare for the tournament.
“This win was very special to us, especially because it was my last tournament in Hawaii with the girls,” said senior outside hitter Chloe Hynes.
The girls won seven games of pool play, which advanced them to the semifinal and final matches. According to Hynes, the team has more younger players than last year. Despite this, the team is just as confident and skilled, said Hynes. The Mustangs lost 25-16 in the first set of the final, but made a comeback in the second set with a win of 25-21. In the final set of the game, the team secured its victory against Cornerstone Christian, with a 15-11 win.
“It can be nerve-wracking when you look at the scoreboard and see that our team is down,” said sophomore outside hitter Audrey Flanagan, “Our team is always really good at staying positive, supporting each other and making a comeback.”’
The title of tournament MVP was given to Flanagan. Hynes and junior libero Taylor Deckert. All three were also presented with All Tournament awards.
“Receiving the title of tournament MVP felt super special,” Flanagan said. “Especially since I was nervous coming into the tournament, and it was just really unexpected.”
According to Hynes, the individual awards were compounded by a strong sense of team spirit, which fostered a collaborative atmosphere among the players.
“We have such a strong bond, and that bond is even tighter now after winning the tournament,” said Hynes.
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