AUSTIN, TX -- The Bishop Lynch volleyball team competed in the annual Volleypalooza tournament in Austin this past weekend. The 68-team, three-day tournament with teams from around the country was filled with star-studded talent, many of whom the Friars met on the court. Throughout the three days, the Friars went 3-5 in their eight matches. 

Thursday, August 24:
Thursday was the best overall day for the Friars, going 2-1 in pool play with their only loss against one of the top teams in the tournament, which went to three sets.

Bishop Lynch vs. Grand Oaks
The Friars had a tough draw in their first match of Volleypalooza facing off against the 20-0 Grizzlies, one of the top-ranked teams in the country. Grand Oaks had only lost two sets heading into the matchup against BL. The Friars held their own in the first, coming back from a late deficit to take the first set 25-22. They wound up dropping the final two 25-17 and 25-18.

Bishop Lynch vs. Barbers Hill
The Friars bounced back against Barbers Hill with a 25-19, 25-20 sweep. Cate Hatfield had a great game, finishing with 14 assists, six kills and an ace on 100% serving.

Bishop Lynch vs. Alvin
In order to advance to the top bracket on day two, the Friars needed to come up with another victory over Alvin. The Friars were able to do that easily, sweeping Alvin with the scores of 25-11, 25-16. 

Thursday Leaders:
Kills:
Avery Seitz - 18
Assists:
Maddie Gappelberg - 33
Digs:
Delaney Moon - 29
Blocks:
Riley Seitz - 4.5
Aces:
Cate Hatfield - 6

Friday, August 25:
Friday was the Friars' toughest day, as they played the eventual champion of the tournament Mater Dei (CA), and also notoriously great Highland Park.

Bishop Lynch vs. Liberty Hill
The Friars first match went all three sets against Liberty Hill. After dropping the first set 25-14, BL bounced back to take the second 25-17. In the third set, Liberty Hill won by the score of 25-20.

Bishop Lynch vs. Mater Dei (CA)
The tournament champion Mater Dei was a solid team all around and it showed against the Friars as they won both sets, 25-15 and 25-17.

Bishop Lynch vs. Highland Park
Probably the most frustrating match of the tournament, the Friars fell to Highland Park 2-0. In both sets, the Friars held leads late in the game, but fell 27-25 and 26-24.

Friday Leaders:
Kills:
Avery Seitz - 25
Assists:
Cate Hatfield - 41
Digs:
Delaney Moon - 26
Blocks:
Madison Pflum - 2.5
Aces:
Riley Seitz - 3

Saturday, August 26:
The third and final day of the long tournament was a decent day for the Friars, splitting their two games with their loss coming to one of the hosts of the tournament.

Bishop Lynch vs. Walnut Grove
After losing to HP in two tight sets, the Friars opened up Saturday with a close set victory over 27-25 against Walnut Grove. They continued that momentum with a 25-18 second set victory for an opening game sweep.

Bishop Lynch vs. Round Rock
In the Friar finale, BL took on host Round Rock. Once again, both sets would be decided late and the Friars fell 25-23 in both sets.

Saturday Leaders:
Kills:
Avery Seitz - 13
Assists:
Cate Hatfield - 24
Digs:
Delaney Moon - 20
Blocks:
Riley Seitz - 1.5
Aces:
Maddie Smotherman - 3


Sub-Varsity:

Freshman: The freshmen team competed in the Frisco Flyers tournament and went 4-2. They were crowned champions of the silver bracket.
 

Next Up:
After a grueling tournament schedule the past few weeks, the Friars get a break from competition this week. Their next match will be next Tuesday, September 5, against Plano West in Plano. 
 

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