RedHawks posing for a picture with Karch Kiraly Tournament Trophy
Marist boys volleyball won the Karch Kiraly Champions Tournament in Santa Barbara Saturday, April 5th. They beat number one ranked Mira Costa in the fifth set, and number three Huntington Beach earlier in the tournament. The team arrived in California on Wednesday April 2nd, and returned after their win on Monday April 7th.
The RedHawks suffered a loss to number one ranked Mira Costa prior to the tournament on Thursday. Tournament MVP Griffin McElroy believes their loss only fueled them for the victory.
“The first game was a learning lesson for us. It really gave us the motivation to just go out there and like give it our all,” said McElroy.
After two comfortable wins early in the tournament, the RedHawks moved on to play powerhouse Huntington Beach High, ranked third nationally. They pulled off a narrow victory setting them up for the championship game against Mira Costa.
“It gave us more motivation and confidence to play in the championship game,” said player Christian Terisi.
After a rough start, the RedHawks were down two sets to none in the final game against Mira Costa.
“We should have won the second set, but then we choked and lost,” said Terisi.
They eventually found their footing, where they proceeded to comeback and win the next three sets, reverse sweeping the best team in the nation.
“I was thrilled after the win against Mira Costa,” said player Nick Larson
The tournament win did not change anything in the national rankings, as the RedHawks still sit at number two. However this win proves the RedHawks deserve their spot in the top five and they are a threat to any team.