For the fourth straight season the varsity volleyball team played in an out of state tournament against top high school teams. This year the squad returned to Orlando, Florida for the Spring Sting Tournament at Bishop Moore Catholic High School. The Crusaders were given a number two seed in pool play for the opening matches that took place on April 13.

The Crusaders opened up against Ransom Everglades from Florida, who were the four seed in the pool. Brother Rice defeated the Everglades 25-9, 25-14. Key players from the match included junior outside hitter Andrew Wilkinson with 3 kills, and senior setter Dominic Villarosa with 5 assists.  After beating the Ransom Everglades, Brother Rice played Palmetto, who was also from Florida. The team defeated Palmetto 25-16, 25-15. Key players were senior right side hitter Matt Kill with 7 kills, sophomore outside hitter Mitch Weiler with 6 kills, senior setter Dan Dwyer with 20 assists, and senior libero Cody Leahy with 6 digs. The squad went 2-0 overall on the first day and had secured their spot in the gold bracket for the following day. The Crusaders had one game left in pool play left against host team Bishop Moore.

On the morning of April 14 the Crusaders faced off against Bishop Moore for first place in the pool. The team started off well by winning the first game 26-24. But in the second game they feel to the Hornets 25-15 to set up a third game to take it all. In the third game the team lost 15-10 in a hard fought match. Key players against the hornets were senior setter Dan Dwyer, sophomore outside hitter Mitch Weiler, and sophomore middle hitter Kevin Myren. The Crusaders finished pool play at 2-1 overall, and took second in the pool. Their next opponent would be against highly ranked Christopher Columbus who was another Florida team.

In the first game against Columbus, Brother Rice won 25-16. But then in the second game the Crusaders fell 25-22. And then in the third game the Crusaders lost 15-8. Key players were Dan Dwyer, Mitch Weiler, and Matt Kill. After losing the game to Columbus the Crusaders played in the third place game against Bishop Moore. In the first game against Bishop Moore the Crusaders fell 25-14 and 26-24. The team finished 4^th place overall in the tournament and went 2-3 overall. Senior Mario Deprima summed it up best by saying, “We just got to start closing out these good teams that we know we can beat.”

The Crusaders have Catholic League match against St. Ignatius on Thursday April 19. And have their annual Smack Attack tournament this Friday and Saturday all at home. Come out and support the Brother Rice Volleyball team.