Riptide 16 White
2011 Badger Region Championships Recap
Riptide 16 White completed their season at the Badger Region Championships on March 19 and 20 at the Wisconsin Expo Center. Competing in the 16 Club Division, the girls set their sights on the tournament championships from the outset.
Their quest was challenged from the start on day 1. Ozaukee Wave 16 Blue pushed Riptide to three sets in their first match of the day, but Riptide prevailed (25-21, 19-25, 15-12). Milton Aces 16 Elite pushed Riptide again in their second match of the day, but this time Riptide was able to emerge victorious in two close sets (25-21, 26-24). With a chance to wrap up an undefeated first day, Riptide quickly took care of business against Fox Valley Thunder 16-2 (25-17, 25-15).
After an evening of rest, Riptide returned to the court on day 2 to continue their push for a championship. They made a statement by quickly disposing of a tough Team OTT in two sets (25-19, 25-13). Riptide ran into a bump in the road during their second match of the morning power pool. Raytown Juniors 16-1 handed Riptide their first loss of the tournament in two sets (19-25, 20-25). The three team pool ended in a dead heat for the right to advance to the Gold Division and be one of 7 teams competing for the championship. Riptide was faced in a rematch against Raytown Juniors in a single set to 15 points for the right to advance. While neither team held more than a 3 point lead at any point in the tiebreaking set, Riptide was able to savor a 16-14 victory, and advance to the Gold Division.
The close sets Riptide played throughout the tournament helped develop the poise and confidence they needed to close out Club W 16-1 in the Gold Division quarterfinal match that saw two closely played sets (25-23, 25-23). However, G-Force 16 Green ended Riptide's hopes for a tournament championship in the Gold Division semifinal match, which saw Riptide drop the first set 28-30 before losing the match 21-25 in the second set.
Overall, Riptide 16 White finished an amazing season with a 3rd place performance in a field of 43 teams at the Badger Region Championships.