Metro Captures Gold at the Capitol Hill Classic

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first Capitol Hill Classic was held on Presidents' Day in 2007. A total of 144 teams registered to play on 18 courts. Barry Goldberg, who owned a club called Metro American, ran the event. Barry also coached at American University at that time. In 2015 he sold his club to their current owners and they shortened the club name to Metro, but Barry continued to run the volleyball tournament. Capitol Hill Classic did have to move the event to Georgia in 2020 during the pandemic shutdown but it continues to remain the most popular volleyball tournament in the DC area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This weekend there were 966 teams playing on 122 courts. Metro dominated the event by winning gold in 5 of the six open events. Below is a summary of the Open winners in the 15-18 category. Later this week I will write about other teams who competed in the event and played well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181185"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f4549e8588a"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro and [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] have already won bids to the junior nationals. They were the top two seeds to begin the tournament. They justified that seeding by playing in the championship match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro did not lose a set as they entered the championship match with [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. They were led by Virginia Gatorade player of the year setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181178' first='Milan' last='Rex'] </strong>and D.C. Gatorade player of the year middle <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181183' first='Pam' last='McCune']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181185' first='Brielle' last='Kemavor'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209172' first='Isabela' last='Fowlkes']</strong> also plugged up the middle lanes. [player_tooltip player_id='181208' first='Gabby' last='Allen'] handled the libero role while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238859' first='Sydney' last='Bryant'] </strong>played outside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] was led by left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181098' first='Grace' last='Maria']</strong>, who shared a two passer serve receive with libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181201' first='Hannah' last='Howard']</strong>. The 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181205' first='Helen' last='Frankovich']</strong> provided terror to opposing defenses with her missiles from the right side. Setting duties were shared by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181179' first='Chloe' last='Wilmot']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='209176' first='Madeline' last='Stewart']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181102' first='Rylah' last='Robinson']</strong> contributed kills from the other left side. Their defense and passing may be the best in the Chesapeake Region with Carley Zimmett, Haley Gil and Tiana Brasby all contributing, along with Grace and Hannah.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unfortunately, [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] had to play right after finishing off a tough Revolution Pittsburgh White team (25-20, 25-22). For the second time this year Metro proved their dominance by beating [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] 25-21, 25-15. They had beaten them earlier this year in the Ohio qualifier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beach Elite Black finished fifth, losing to Revolution Pittsburgh White 25-23 and 25-17. Beach Elite is led by setter <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245596' first='Alden' last='Roberts']</strong> and right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233484' first='Aulie' last='Huff']</strong>. Aulie plays six rotations and provides offense from the back row, showing off a powerful lefthanded swing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["180300"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f514e08956f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro 17 showed their depth by playing without many of their starters in this tournament. They still rolled through the tournament without losing a set, finishing off Carolina Juniors in the final 25-17, 25-19.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Left side Ohio State commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180288' first='Emerson' last='Sellman']</strong> just dominates the competition. Last year I thought her three meter attacks could use some improvement, but Emerson fired on all cylinders in this tournament. She had back row players ducking with her three meter shots blistering the back end of the courts. Nothing tougher to dig than a high velocity deep court shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180281' first='Erin' last='Debiec'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180283' first='Natalie' last='Nguyen'] </strong>mystified their opponents with their range of sets. It appears Erin has improved her sets to the middle where Natalie defines accuracy. The close to 6 foot <strong>Eve McLaury</strong> handled most of the libero duties while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180300' first='Mailinh' last='Godschall']</strong> sat out the first day. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233010' first='Mickhaila' last='Murray']</strong> hammered from the left side and provided unmatched enthusiasm to the court. The 6'5" [player_tooltip player_id='181232' first='Renee' last='Jones'] provided length to the right side, proving to be a road block to the left sides trying to find the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] finished in third place. They lost a tough three set match to Carolina Juniors 23-25, 25-15, 11-15. In the gold medal bracket they had to play three matches that went three sets, downing Elite Volleyball Training Center from Ohio and Revolution Pittsburgh White before losing to Carolina. Fatigue had to be a factor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class of 2025 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='243771' first='Berkeley' last='Konrady']</strong> leads from the left side and plays all six rotations, providing offense in the back row. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='233008' first='Greta' last='Barvick']</strong> hits harder than most right sides, especially on balls down the line. She can also hammer from the left side. She played left side in high school so it appeared her setting carried a bit of rust at the beginning of the year. Her setting was on fire during this tournament, especially her jump setting. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180302' first='Emma' last='White']</strong> provided steadiness with her libero play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] and Virginia Elite tied for fifth. Carolina Juniors eliminated [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in a tightly played 15-13 third set. East Carolina Juniors from North Carolina swept Virginia Elite in a quarter final match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180294' first='Kiylah' last='Presley'] </strong>hit left side for [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last='']. Last year she played middle taking advantage of the quicker "2" sets. Once she works out her timing issues she will be a force. Currently, it still needs more repetition. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180292' first='Riley' last='Buddie']</strong> played the other left side. Middle [player_tooltip player_id='209795' first='Harlan' last='Wyche'] seems to have improved her game in the middle. A little growth spurt has helped.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='180284' first='Chloe' last='Hokenson']</strong> leads the Virginia Elite team with her setting and right side play. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id='180303' first='Karen' last='Cao']</strong> played an impressive libero. Last year she got little playing time for Metro, but for Virginia Elite she shows the back row belongs to her. The 6'4" left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='237239' first='Azavia' last='Thomas']</strong> shows so much potential. Still new to the game she can dominate with her athletic ability, but the rawness still shows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["181243"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f514e089614"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Virginia Elite finished in third, the highest finish for a Chesapeake team in the 16 Open Division. They lost in the semis to Elite Volleyball Training Center in Ohio 23-25, 25-21, 12-15. Elite finished second to Pittsburgh Elite. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181298' first='Ana' last='Toumazatos'] </strong>leads Virginia Elite with her offense on the left side and from the three meter line. She also provides consistent passing, at times being used in a two person serve receive. The 6'1" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181243' first='Evelyn' last='Jurden']</strong> can set, but her approach jump that reaches nearly 10 feet provides a potent attack. She swings hard left or right side, but needs to be more aware of the block. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181242' first='Shylah' last='Swope']</strong> sets a 5/1. You have to love a setter who jump sets and once in the front row uses the pineapple to drop a ball in the four spot. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235325' first='Skylar' last='Giulani']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235290' first='Olivia' last='Hatcher']</strong> share the middle duties. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181279' first='Kadi' last='Pynchon']</strong> brings consistency to the passing game and provides solid defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lots of Chesapeake teams finished in the ninth spot. That means they lost their first match in the gold bracket. [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'], MVSA Sparks, and [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] join Beach Elite in that club. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] pulled off one of the bigger upsets by beating Metro 16. They only lost two matches the whole tournament, both to Jersey Jrs, once to start the tournament, the second to end it. The two outsides <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181302' first='Kennedy' last='Spaid']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181299' first='Ada' last='McCoy'] </strong>lead this team. They may be the two best left side combo in the Chesapeake Region at the 16 age group. Kennedy belongs to the class of 2026 as does their amazing libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181280' first='Brenna' last='Corbin']</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290934' first='Ava' last='Dickerson']</strong> hits the high middle sets like a true outside, always avoiding the block to bury the ball to the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MVSA Sparks had not lost a match entering the gold bracket, including a victory over Virginia Elite. The Puerto Rican team Borinquen Coqui finished their tournament in the first round of gold. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235748' first='Ema' last='Djordjevic'] </strong>leads this offense while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235749' first='Kareena' last='Rathnam']</strong> provides the defense. This team brings height to a game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] lost to the eventual champions Pittsburgh Elite in the first round. It went three sets but [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] lost the third 15-13. They have a stacked roster with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='225187' first='Simone' last='Schaefer']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='181309' first='Brianna' last='Holladay']</strong> forming one of the better middle combinations in the Chesapeake Region. Libero <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='235291' first='Sadee' last='Gedse'] </strong>contributes quality defensive play and setter<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='238357' first='Claire' last='Mo']</strong> orchestrates the offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second place Elite Volleyball Training Center eliminated Beach Elite. Unfortunately, I did not get to see Beach Elite play but they are on my radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15 Open</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["210539"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f514e089666"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Metro came close to losing their first match of the tournament, pulling out a 16-14 third set win. They almost lost their first match of the second day as well, losing the first set 25-19 then bouncing back to win the next two 25-18 and 15-11. They did not lose a set once they played in the gold bracket. winning the final against a tough Puerto Rican team Criollos 25-22 and 26-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Left side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='303701' first='Caydence' last='Doolan'] </strong>leads Metro with her offense and her ability to play six rotations. At 5'10 she may be one of the smaller outsides on this team, but her velocity stands tall by creating chaos in many back rows. The 6'1 tandem right sides are <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='210539' first='Emma' last='Gardner'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='301696' first='Nadiya' last='Johnson'].</strong> The 6'3" <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='227251' first='Morgan' last='D. Williams']</strong> brings the fireworks to the other left side. Another 6'1" right side <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='220923' first='Soleil' last='Rancourt']</strong> contributes offense to the game. Liberos <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='265167' first='Laila' last='Chadwick'] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='218149' first='Giselle' last='Norris']</strong> bring the defensive component to the team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] finished fifth, losing to Northeast Volleyball Club in Connecticut. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='249330' first='Charlotte' last='Arrington']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221415' first='Lindsey' last='Canty']</strong> bring a strong left side tandem. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='238341' first='Teodora' last='Stamenkovic']</strong> brings length and a powerful right arm to the right side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MVSA Charge lost a three set opener in the gold bracket to Northeast, a team that went on to beat [program_tooltip program_id='476729' first='Paramount' last=''] in the next round. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='322107' first='Eden' last='Tandy']</strong> brings the offense to the left side while<strong> [player_tooltip player_id='325601' first='Sydnee' last='Peters'] </strong>cracks the whip from the right side. <strong> Reagan Lentz</strong> impresses with her strong middle play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seven of the ten teams from the 15/16 Divisions advanced to the Gold Bracket. Only Metro 16, Virginia Jrs 16 and [program_tooltip program_id='494409' first='Blue' last='Ridge'] 15 failed to advance to the gold bracket on the final day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->