18's SOUTH TEAM FINISHES 2nd AT PRESIDENT'S DAY FESTIVAL!

After some tough competition on Saturday, facing the eventual tournament winner in pool play, the Heartland 18s team came ready to play for Sunday’s round of pool play and the playoff bracket. Coach Sarah Biggerstaff said, “I was disappointed with the way we played on Saturday, so I came on Sunday, prepared to motivate the team and convince them that it was a new day. Judging by our enthusiasm and competitiveness, I think the message got through!”

The 18s team drew tough pool play schedules, facing three of the top five teams before even getting to the playoff bracket. But they won when it mattered. While the scores of the games were close, there was never a doubt who controlled the match. The level of play was the highest seen by both teams’ coaches and the referees of the match. “The plays we were making were almost unbelievable,” said Biggerstaff. “But I have to hand it to the girls. Their hard work all season really showed on Sunday. I couldn’t be prouder of them, even if we had won.”

The 16s and 17s teams finished 27th and 21st, respectively.

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THREE GREAT TOURNAMENTS FOR HEARTLAND CLUB

	The 16s won the Silver Division at the Mid Winter Classic this weekend, taking 8th place out of 15 teams. Assistant Coach, Whitney VanDerplaats says, “I was proud of the girls today. They struggled mentally most of the morning and found something in themselves in the last half of the day.  The girls are starting to realize that the game is in their hands and they need to push for every point.”
The 17s team took first place at the Onamia Tournament. They are really showing improvements every time they step on the court and are starting to come together as a team.
The 18s team took second place at the M1 Tournament, battling point for point with M1 teams in both the semi-finals and the finals. They competed for every point all day long, as the teams were all very evenly matched. The team was complimented by many coaches at the end of the day on both their skill as well as their character, which is something to be very proud of.

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CONGRATULATIONS COACHES CARA & JOE LANG!

Joshua James Lang was born at 4:30 am on Monday, February 8th. Heartland Volleyball Congratulates them!

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TWIN CITIES ELITE VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE EVENT:

The 16s team had a successful day, losing only one game, at a Twin Cities Elite Volleyball League event at Spring Lake Park High School Sunday, January 24th. Assistant Coach Whitney Vanderplaats says, “The girls really played well today.  They are really starting to come together as a team, getting more comfortable with each other and figuring out what works and what does not.  They are also realizing how much control they have over winning and losing.  They fought hard in our last couple of games to come out with a win and with a great record today.”

The 17s team also played at Spring Lake Park High School. Coach Kim Bostrom says, “We got off to a slow start this weekend, but strived to see improvement with each new game.  From start to finish, we got better and had a chance to work on some of our individual and team goals.  Serving controlled yet competitively is one goal our team has been working on in practice.  I must give props to Keiana Wurtinger for accomplishing something I have never seen done: she served an entire game.  25-0!  Way to go Kei!  Great job team and keep working hard!”

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JANUARY 24, 2010 SCHEDULES POSTED:

Heartland Playdate Monticello Schedule
Heartland Playdate Big Lake Schedules
Twin Cities Elite Volleyball League Schedule

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Another successful weekend for the Heartland Volleyball Club at the Frostbite Festival

Both the 16s and the 18s had a great weekend at the Frostbite Festival in Rochester, MN. The 16s, who finished 5th out of 24 teams, won their first pool and took second in round two of pool play after some very close matches. According to head coach Cara Lang, the team is on the verge of greatness. We look forward to seeing what they can accomplish in the coming months!
 
The 18s team had an opportunity to take home another tournament title, but Southern Minnesota Volleyball 18-1s proved to be a tough opponent. Although they lost the championship, the team was undefeated in both rounds of pool play and really showed their character and teamwork during the playoff bracket. Coaches Sarah Biggerstaff and Sarah Simet said they, "couldn't be prouder of how the girls fought as team all weekend. It was truly fun to watch them succeed."

HEARTLAND TEAMS START THE SEASON OFF GREAT!!

Congratulations to the Heartland 16s, 17s and 18s teams on a very successful first weekend of playing! As a Club, our record on Sunday was 38-6!

The 18s team played in the Crossfire Tournament at Bethel University. They won their pool and went on to beat the Crossfire 18-1 team to win the tournament. Head coach, Sarah Biggerstaff says, “I couldn’t be happier with the way the team played. Their competitive spirit really showed in the times where we had to battle back from behind to pull out key victories during playoffs. Alysa Sutton (setter) did a great job of leading a very balanced offensive attack, made possible by our great passing and dynamic hitters. I was truly thankful I wasn’t on the other side of the net after a couple hits by our middles, Marika and Maggie! I’m looking forward to seeing how we do this weekend at the Frostbite Festival in Rochester!”

The 17s team played in two waves of the Twin Cities Elite League at Monticello High School. Coach Kim Bostrom says, “What a way to start the season!  After a full day of volleyball and a comprehensive team effort, the Heartland 17's team went home with a record of 14-4.  Our focus thus far has been on serve receive, and the team's hard work showed this weekend.  With numerous scrappy plays and hustle from the heart, our team was enjoyable to watch!”

The 16s team also played in two waves of the Twin Cities Elite League. They finished the day 14-4 as well and coach Cara Lang says, “the team showed great improvement from the beginning of the season and she is looking forward to seeing them compete this weekend at the Frostbite Festival.”

**UPDATE HEARTLAND SOUTH PRACTICE**
On Monday, December 21st, Heartland South will practice at Monticello High School
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HEARTLAND SOUTH TRYOUTS WILL BE HELD:
Wednesday, November 15th 2009

3:00-4:30, ages 12-15
4:45 - 6:15, ages 16-18 and all boys
Check in will begin 30 minutes prior to start of try-out

Find more info here »

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