SRVA Tournament Day One

     Day One of the Southern Regional Volleyball Association tournament was the largest  tournament our family has ever been to. It was also the first tourney that we travelled to outside of our local area. When we arrived at the Georgia World Congress Center, we knew this was going to be BIG.* Photo dense post*

Volleyball as far as the eye could see. Closest shot to give a slight idea of just how massive the playing area was. We were in the exhibit hall area, I believe it was 3 halls that were open into one large area. There were 48 courts with games being played from 8 am until at least 9pm on day one. In most areas, the courts ran 6 deep with the central area for officials, first aid (which we visited quite a bit ourselves), and vendors along the perimeter.
 

Our day started early with the first game stating at 8am. Courtney was ready to get going and started warming up against the wall.

Even during warm ups Courtney gives it her all.

Channing getting ready for the day.

Ethos 16 North getting ready for the first game of the day. Courtney somehow often would forget to High 5 Coach Sara, but I captured this time when she called her out to make sure she remembered.

Our libero Ruthie. For the non-volleyball people reading this, the libero position wears a different colored jersey from her teammates and only plays in the back row and is a defensive specialist.

Courtney up for the hit.

Hitting on the other side of the court.

 Our tallest player, Hannah Grace serving.

 

Ruthie, Lauren, and Courtney ready in the back row.

Coach Sara calling a timeout to refocus.

Kaitlyn hitting it hard over the net.

Our setter Madi, getting the ball ready for Courtney to hit.

I love seeing her in action.

We played 3 games on day one. The girls all gather and chant "1,2,3, kick butt" while stomping their feet before each game.

It's the little things- I love seeing the girls encourage one another with their little hand slaps, or pats on the back. They will do it when starting the game, when someone subs in, or even when someone misses a shot as a sign of encouragement.

Focused.

How high can the ball fly?

Lauren serving

The brief moment the girls can rest- right before our team serves.

Going up for the block.

Going up for the hit.

Looks like a kill to me!

Courtney serving.

Kaitlyn and Lauren in unison.

#22's  number one fan.

Going for a bit of cross court action with this hit.

Courtney can pass as well.

Setting it up...

 Just like in practice, Courtney gives it her all when trying to get to the ball.

 

Kaitlyn in action.

 Tons of action right at the net.

 

We finished the day with a team gathering for a moment of prayer and getting ready for the next day of play. 16 North didn't do quite as well as they had hoped, but ended with a solid win over their last opponent. More to come as the ladies headed into the Silver bracket for Sunday's matches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Road trip to ATL

     This past weekend the Apedaile crew hit the road and headed southeast to Atlanta. We were headed there to finish up Courtney's club volleyball season with Ethos. There was a regional tournament being hosted at the Georgia World Congress Center and volleyball teams from all over the southeast were playing.

Family Selfie as we headed out.
 

Courtney and JT ready to go!

 



The most beautiful sisters- just missing their oldest sis.

 



As we headed through the mountain/hills near Chattanooga, all we could see was miles of beautiful green trees.

 



I can only imagine what autumn looks like!

Crossing the Tennessee River.

 



 It happened pretty quick, but I managed to snap a partial shot of the Georgia state sign. A new state to all of us except John.

 

That evening we met up with 3 other families from our team and went out to dinner. JT was loving all of the attention from the girls.
 

 Lauren, Courtney, Madi, and Hannah Grace all go to 4 different high schools, but the bond these girls made during the season was incredible.
 

After the first day of the tournament, the entire team and families went out to dinner.

Lindsay and JT were ready to go!

 



JT was quite the charmer this weekend.

 



The team and Coach Sara (lower right corner), and of course JT all sat at one table.

They also managed to have some fun at the dinner with Channing demonstrating her version of the Gun Show. I love Caylee's reaction behind her.

Lauren showing the love for Courtney.

 



Outside after dinner. It was a beautiful weekend- perfectly warm weather.

 



I love this shot with half the team cracking up over something. Probably over the fact there was about 6 Mom's standing in front snapping photos.

 



The ladies of 16 North Ethos

 



JT was so adorable that a few of the girls asked to take photos with him. He called the girls "The Sisters" all weekend long. JT and Ruthie.

 



 JT and Caylee.

 

Downtown Atlanta as we headed to the tournament.
 

I'm guessing this is where the Olympic flame burned when Atlanta hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics.
 

More of downtown as we walked to the Georgia World Congress Center.
 

JT was so cute and brought what he calls his Lightening McQueen "trailer" and his Mr. Bubbles for the trip.
 

JT gives Atlanta a big thumbs up and can't wait to visit here again and do some more sightseeing.
 

Lindsay and Courtney just outside the tournament venue.
 

Some of the yumminess JT enjoyed at the Cheesecake factory.
 

He was quite the character as you can tell. He enjoyed this cake for 2 days it was so huge.

 

JT making a call on a somewhat old fashioned phone in our hotel. I think he was making his reservation for our next trip here.