*Update as of 11/7/16 - The Tigers earned the #8 at-large seed in this year's National Tournament in Kissimmee, FL!
Mount Hope, WV - Both GBC and Kentucky Christian entered the championship game on Saturday 4-0 after undefeated pool play and semifinal competition. Ranked #1 (KCU) and #2 (GBC) in the Region, the Knights and Tigers earned 12 straight set wins through their respective pools.
The energy was high as the championship game began. The Tigers, after a significant score deficit, bound together to not only close the gap on the Knights, but completely take over the momentum of set one. With streaks of 3 and 4 points at a time going to the Tigers, there was no stopping GBC from taking the first set victory 25-18.
The second set and third set were well fought by both teams, but the Tigers were not able to fight off the Knights of KCU, dropping both 17-25 and 15-25.
The Tigers again started the set from behind, and again stepped up to the challenge of chipping away the lead. Momentum showed no favor from then on as points were fought over for the rest of set. At the final timeout the Tigers were behind 17-21 and despite aggressive play (both offensively and defensively) the set and match ended for GBC with the set score of 20-25, match 1-3.
Notable Contributions against KCU: Adrianna Bunce led in kills with 9, Kylee Maat with 8, Amy Leszinske with 6. Team total of 12 blocks led by Melinda Thomas and Amy Leszinske. Bunce led in digs with 11, Leszinske with 10.
Big congratulations to Senior Amy Leszinske, Juniors Adrianna Bunce and Ashley Bearden on their selection to the Mideast First Team All-Region! What an honor to have three of the eight representatives of the best of the best in our Region. Good work Tigers!
Game ball was awarded to GBCVB Manager Kerri Classen for her dedication to the team throughout the season. Her attitude on the bench and contribution to stat keeping helps the Tigers in tremendous ways. Kerri bleeds blue and gold and her love for the team is evident in everything she does. Thank you Kerri!
"We couldn't have asked for more determination, grit and effort today and throughout this entire weekend," Coach Becky Karsten said. "No matter what final scores say, we fought our hardest as a family and gave it everything we had. The team earned the right to hold our heads high; this was a great overall experience for our team and program."
At the beginning of this week, coach Karsten had each player to write down what their 'best effort' would look like during the week of regionals. The team shared their notecards together and continually challenged each other to pursue their best efforts and contribute to the team's game play, chemistry and mental preparation.
"We didn't come home with a banner this year, but we can confidently say we all gave our best efforts this weekend going 13 and 3 overall. It is a testament to our athletes to realize it's not all about the wins, but more about what you learn from your team – AKA family. Our program has come a long way and we won't' stop giving our best efforts; we look forward to growing as a family during the off season both on and off the court."
