[Southsider2k12]

http://www.post-trib.com/sports/462012,vball.article

Dunes Club captures two national titles

July 10, 2007
BY STEVE T. GORCHES Post-Tribune staff writer

It's hard to believe in the previous 18 years the Dunes Volleyball Club has been cultivating future standouts, it had never won two national titles in one season.
Last year, three of the multitude of teams in Rick Ashmore's club -- 18 travel teams and 61 local teams to be exact -- made the USA National finals, but only one captured an elusive title.

That was the 17 Black squad. With most of the team back this year, the 17s repeated as USA Junior Volleyball national champs by defeating a team from Tampa Bay, Fla., 20-25, 25-14, 15-13 in the final over the weekend in Minneapolis, Minn.

But the 17 Black squad wasn't the first Dunes team to win a national title this summer. Three days earlier in Minneapolis the 18 Black squad coached by Ashmore defeated Sports Performance 18 Blue (from Illinois) 25-14, 26-28, 15-11 in another thrilling final to notch the USA Junior Volleyball title in the 18 American division.

"Coach (Brett) Sayer said one of his kids said that after the 18s won, they had to win because they didn't want the 18s to show them up," said Ashmore, referring to his 17 Black coach who is an assistant at St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer.

Even Ashmore, who has watched his club grow and become more successful over the years, was amazed at winning two titles.

"That's truly spectacular," he said. "It shows what some hard work and dedication from the kids will do for you."

Among the players on the 17 Black champs is Stacy Qualizza of Crown Point, which is why Ashmore (the CP High School coach) can't coach that team. IHSAA rules prohibit high school coaches from also coaching their players in the offseason.

Other Northwest Indiana players on 17 Black are Jessica Korda of Munster, Jessica Dhoore of LaPorte, who made the all-tourney team, Stephanie Harrell of Chesterton, Ashley Gallant of Michigan City and new addition Rachael Oskam of Lake Central.

The 18 Black team included Britney Loomis of Michigan City, Chelsy Kimes of Munster and Laurel Kuepker of LaPorte.

[Roger Kaputnik]

For all the noise and hoopla about volley ball, just a couple of scholarships are awarded in MC each year. In the meantime, 40% of girls'golf NCAA scholarships go unclaimed every year. Get those girls swinging!