Balboa Bay, Spectrum, WA Lightning Capture Gold at BJNC

Becky Murdy
Assistant, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: becky.murdy@usav.org

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 2, 2011) – Both the 13 and 18s divisions wrapped up play today at the 2011 USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships in Minneapolis. The tournament spans from June 29- July 6 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.   

In addition to the various flights being played, the 13-club division had a three-team playoff to crown first, second and third. The SCVA 13 Qs (Southern California) defeated Ku’iKahi (Aloha) 25-17, 25-9 to advance to the gold-medal match against West Allis Lightning B13 (Badger). West Allis Lightning captured the national title after recording a 25-10, 25-17 victory over SCVC 13 Quiksilver (Southern California), which had won a second-round match between the two teams.

The crowds began to grow as the center court became a battle ground for the 18 Club division. Borinquen Coqui 18-1M (Puerto Rico) defeated West Allis Lightning B18 (Badger) 20-25, 25-19, 15-5 to capture the bronze medal. Immediately following the boys of Spectrum 18s (Southern California) threw a block party with their impressive defense defeating APV 18-Errea (Arizona) 25-18, 25-18. APV took silver while Spectrum wore the gold around their necks and was named the national 18 Club champions.

In the 18 Open division, HLVBC 18-Black (Southern California) defeated SPVB B18 Mizuno (Great Lakes) 27-25, 25-20 in a tug-of-war bronze-medal match.

With the most spectators of the tournament at championship court, the 18 Open gold-medal match was a hard-fought battle between Balboa Bay 18 QuikSilver (Southern California) and SMBC 18-Black (Southern California). Balboa defeated the “beach” boys 25-17, 25-23 in a California showdown.

“Winning this tournament means everything to us,” Balboa Bay Head Coach John Hawks said. “We have a ton of respect for SMBC and to play them in the final is the only way we would have wanted it!”

Balboa Bay standout, Cody Caldwell (Newport Beach, Calif.) earned tournament most valuable player after an impressive showing as outside hitter. Caldwell was recently named to the 2011 USA Volleyball Boys’ Youth National Team that will represent the United States at the Boys’ Youth Pan American Cup on July 9-17 in Mexico and the 2011 FIVB Boys’ Youth (U-19) World Championship held Aug. 19-28 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“Cody is the most complete player in the division,” Hawks said. “He stepped up and led this team on the court, but I think Cody would even tell you that his MVP award is a team award. 

Balboa Bay had to catch a flight back to California immediately following its gold-medal performance, but not before Coach Hawk had a final word. 

“I have loved coaching this team the last two years!” Hawks said.

For up-to-date results and upcoming schedules for the USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships, click here. For more information on the tournament, visithttp://usavolleyball.org/events/4872.

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2011 USA Volleyball Boys’ Junior National Championships Results
12 Club: Gold – Vaqueros 12-1 (Puerto Rico); Silver – Outrigger Red B12 (Aloha); Bronze – Gigantes12 G (Puerto Rico)
13 Club: Gold – WA Lightning B13 (Badger); Silver – SCVA 13 Qs (Southern California); Bronze – Ku’Ikahi 13W RoShamBo (Aloha)
14 Open: Finals on July 3
14 Club: Finals on July 3
15 Open: Finals on July 4
15 Club: Finals on July 4
16 Open: Finals on July 5
16 Club: Finals on July 5
17 Open: Finals on July 6
17 Club: Finals on July 6
18 Open: Gold – Balboa Bay 18 Quiksilver (Southern California); Silver – SMBC 18-Black (Southern California); Bronze – HLVBC 18-Black (Southern California)
18 Club: Gold – Spectrum 18s (Southern California); Silver – AVP 18-Errea (Arizona); Bronze – Borinquen Coqui 18-IM 

Tags: 2011 Boys' Junior National Championships, USA Volleyball Boys' Junior National Championships