Game Results:
Ballerz’s season comes to an end in the Sweet 16
April 11, 2019
The Neon Ballerz battled hard but their valiant efforts came up just short in what would be the finale of an impressive season. The Ballerz lost in straight sets, both of which were incredibly tight.
Neon Ballerz rebound after frustrating loss, advance in the playoffs
April 10, 2019
A lot of uncertainty swirled around how the Ballerz would respond after their dispiriting loss to Newman Catholic. The excitement for their first playoff game was palpable but did the team have the mental fortitude to overcome such a crushing loss? And how would they deal with their talented opponent, PBL, who had just beaten Tater Varsity to advance to the Round of 32?
The Ballerz wasted no time answering these questions. Using their mantra of #WhateverItTakes as a rallying cry, the Ballerz dispatched PBL and moved on to the next round.
Players of the Game: Bailey Stoltzfus and Justin Korman
Ballerz lose momentum, fall to Newman Catholic
April 3rd, 2019
The Neon Ballerz could taste it: Their first ever perfect regular season was within reach. Everything began on a high note, with the Ballerz distancing themselves from Newman Catholic in the first set. However, with just one more point required to win the set, the Ballerz took their feet off the gas pedal. Newman Catholic made a courageous run, scoring many points in a row but the NB managed to clinch the set by forcing an error.
Relieved that they had prevailed in the first set, the Ballerz were still acutely aware that momentum was beginning to slip away. Newman Catholic had found its stride and their rejuvenated play resulted in a second set equalizer. With the teams tied at one set apiece, Newman Catholic was the team that rose to the occasion. Mental mistakes and a lack of communication doomed the Ballerz, who were swiftly defeated 15-2 in the third set. In spite of the loss, the Ballerz clinched a playoff spot and a first round bye.
Players of the Game: Emily Irvin and Joshua Miller
Neon Ballerz overwhelm Bump n'Grind, start season 2-0
March 27, 2019
The Neon Ballerz defeated Bump n’Grind on Wednesday night in their second game of the season. The game was intensely competitive but the Neon Ballerz channeled their clutch gene to win in straight sets. Steady serving propelled the Ballerz to victory.
Players of the Game: Elizabeth Czekaj and Mike Hopp
The Neon Ballerz make their triumphant return to volleyball
March 20th, 2019
It was Fall 2013. A group of friends had just united with the common goal that every competitor has: to win. Except, there was something innately different about these competitors. They possessed a unique determination, sense of camaraderie, and passion for winning. They called themselves the Neon Ballerz. Little did they know, this decision to form a team for an 8th grade volleyball tournament would mark the beginning of a remarkable adventure that would transform the subsequent years of their lives.
As a basketball powerhouse for much of the past four years, other sports have played second fiddle within the Neon Ballerz franchise. Largely ignored is the role that volleyball has played in the birth and growth of the franchise. In their very first organized competition, the Fall 2013 volleyball tournament, the Neon Ballerz found success right away. Led by strong serving and net play, they advanced to the semifinal round. Leading early in the semifinal match, controversy struck. An opposing player had hit the ball deep and out of bounds but the referee had awarded the point to her team. Feeling manipulated, the Neon Ballerz protested the call, arguing that the ball had clearly landed past the out-of-bounds line. In response, the referee pointed to a different line, situated father from the net, claiming that it marked out-of-bounds. The Neon Ballerz were incredulous: the rules of volleyball had just been altered to their detriment. From that point on, their play unraveled and they narrowly lost the match. Afterwards, they promised to learn from the experience and rebound. They knew they had lost an unfair contest but acknowledged they could have adjusted their play to overcome the injustice and win.
Two years later, the Neon Ballerz once again stepped foot on a volleyball court. This time, their stamina and ability to stay awake were put on the test. While they had limited success, the volleyball program (called the volleyball affiliate at the time) was pointing in the right direction.
Unexpectedly, due to dysfunction in the organization hosting these volleyball competitions (this is somewhat related), the Neon Ballerz volleyball team would not assemble again until early 2019.
Nearly six years after its inception, the Neon Ballerz volleyball program had a whole new cast of characters. First came the two superstars: Owen Burkett and Elizabeth Czekaj. Towering above the opposition, they ferociously hurled everything that came their way back over the net. Accompanying them in the starting lineup was a seasoned player named Bailey Stoltzfus, who had long before mastered the art of volleyball. More than a serving specialist, Mike Hopp had transferred his point guard skills to the volleyball court, where he made surprising impact plays at the net. Rounding out the starting lineup were Joseph Clark and Becca Stroschein. Clark was known for making spontaneous plays all over the court while Stroschein was one of the most consistent players on the floor.
Along with a star-studded starting lineup, the Neon Ballerz trotted out an imposing second unit. Headlined by Coach of the Year Justin Korman, the bench had talent, necessitating frequent substitutions. On the court, Korman served as the floor general of the team. On the sideline, he devised clever schemes and led the Neon Ballerz's "7th man." Whoever wasn't on the floor was creating the Ballerz's home-court advantage by chanting "Let's Go Ballerz! N B Silence!" Another skillful reserve, Joshua Miller provided the team with reliable serving and Dikembe Mutombo-like play at the net. Oliver Rose not only had the highest ace percentage on the team but was also very versatile. Emily Irvin gave the Ballerz a dependable presence in the backcourt, strengthening the team's defense. Katherine Groves also played a significant role on defense, kept points alive with her hustle, and was the best trash talker. With a volleyball background, Vivian Ward gave the Neon Ballerz intangibles and showcased her soccer skills by keeping points alive with her feet. Jonah Grove contributed with key plays both at the net and the backcourt.
Although they did not have much experience playing together, this collective group was a force to be reckoned with. Their first opponent, Block and Bridle, found that out. The match began anti-climactically, with Block and Bridle forfeiting due to a lack of players. The two teams still decided to play the game out as an exhibition match.
The Neon Ballerz won a tight first set, fueled by the all-around play of the starting line-up. During the first set, Korman experimented with substituting Clark and Miller every point to give the team a boost of "instant offense." The strategy proved to be ingenious.
After dropping the first set, Block and Bridle put together a strong showing in the second set to knot it up at one set apiece. They followed their second set performance with success in the third set, winning the first six points. Not to be deterred by a 6-0 deficit, Korman called time-out and regrouped the troops. After winning a few points, it was Czekaj's turn to serve. And just like that, momentum completely shifted. Czekaj produced a string of speedy, yet powerful serves and Block & Bridle stared helplessly, unable to react. While she eventually lost serve, the Ballerz maintained their composure down the stretch and held on for a 15-13 victory in the third set.
The first match of the season was a shining success for the Neon Ballerz. They hoped it would mark the resurgence of Neon Ballerz volleyball.
Players of the Game: Elizabeth Czekaj and Owen Burkett
Ballerz’s season comes to an end in the Sweet 16
April 11, 2019
The Neon Ballerz battled hard but their valiant efforts came up just short in what would be the finale of an impressive season. The Ballerz lost in straight sets, both of which were incredibly tight.
Neon Ballerz rebound after frustrating loss, advance in the playoffs
April 10, 2019
A lot of uncertainty swirled around how the Ballerz would respond after their dispiriting loss to Newman Catholic. The excitement for their first playoff game was palpable but did the team have the mental fortitude to overcome such a crushing loss? And how would they deal with their talented opponent, PBL, who had just beaten Tater Varsity to advance to the Round of 32?
The Ballerz wasted no time answering these questions. Using their mantra of #WhateverItTakes as a rallying cry, the Ballerz dispatched PBL and moved on to the next round.
Players of the Game: Bailey Stoltzfus and Justin Korman
Ballerz lose momentum, fall to Newman Catholic
April 3rd, 2019
The Neon Ballerz could taste it: Their first ever perfect regular season was within reach. Everything began on a high note, with the Ballerz distancing themselves from Newman Catholic in the first set. However, with just one more point required to win the set, the Ballerz took their feet off the gas pedal. Newman Catholic made a courageous run, scoring many points in a row but the NB managed to clinch the set by forcing an error.
Relieved that they had prevailed in the first set, the Ballerz were still acutely aware that momentum was beginning to slip away. Newman Catholic had found its stride and their rejuvenated play resulted in a second set equalizer. With the teams tied at one set apiece, Newman Catholic was the team that rose to the occasion. Mental mistakes and a lack of communication doomed the Ballerz, who were swiftly defeated 15-2 in the third set. In spite of the loss, the Ballerz clinched a playoff spot and a first round bye.
Players of the Game: Emily Irvin and Joshua Miller
Neon Ballerz overwhelm Bump n'Grind, start season 2-0
March 27, 2019
The Neon Ballerz defeated Bump n’Grind on Wednesday night in their second game of the season. The game was intensely competitive but the Neon Ballerz channeled their clutch gene to win in straight sets. Steady serving propelled the Ballerz to victory.
Players of the Game: Elizabeth Czekaj and Mike Hopp
The Neon Ballerz make their triumphant return to volleyball
March 20th, 2019
It was Fall 2013. A group of friends had just united with the common goal that every competitor has: to win. Except, there was something innately different about these competitors. They possessed a unique determination, sense of camaraderie, and passion for winning. They called themselves the Neon Ballerz. Little did they know, this decision to form a team for an 8th grade volleyball tournament would mark the beginning of a remarkable adventure that would transform the subsequent years of their lives.
As a basketball powerhouse for much of the past four years, other sports have played second fiddle within the Neon Ballerz franchise. Largely ignored is the role that volleyball has played in the birth and growth of the franchise. In their very first organized competition, the Fall 2013 volleyball tournament, the Neon Ballerz found success right away. Led by strong serving and net play, they advanced to the semifinal round. Leading early in the semifinal match, controversy struck. An opposing player had hit the ball deep and out of bounds but the referee had awarded the point to her team. Feeling manipulated, the Neon Ballerz protested the call, arguing that the ball had clearly landed past the out-of-bounds line. In response, the referee pointed to a different line, situated father from the net, claiming that it marked out-of-bounds. The Neon Ballerz were incredulous: the rules of volleyball had just been altered to their detriment. From that point on, their play unraveled and they narrowly lost the match. Afterwards, they promised to learn from the experience and rebound. They knew they had lost an unfair contest but acknowledged they could have adjusted their play to overcome the injustice and win.
Two years later, the Neon Ballerz once again stepped foot on a volleyball court. This time, their stamina and ability to stay awake were put on the test. While they had limited success, the volleyball program (called the volleyball affiliate at the time) was pointing in the right direction.
Unexpectedly, due to dysfunction in the organization hosting these volleyball competitions (this is somewhat related), the Neon Ballerz volleyball team would not assemble again until early 2019.
Nearly six years after its inception, the Neon Ballerz volleyball program had a whole new cast of characters. First came the two superstars: Owen Burkett and Elizabeth Czekaj. Towering above the opposition, they ferociously hurled everything that came their way back over the net. Accompanying them in the starting lineup was a seasoned player named Bailey Stoltzfus, who had long before mastered the art of volleyball. More than a serving specialist, Mike Hopp had transferred his point guard skills to the volleyball court, where he made surprising impact plays at the net. Rounding out the starting lineup were Joseph Clark and Becca Stroschein. Clark was known for making spontaneous plays all over the court while Stroschein was one of the most consistent players on the floor.
Along with a star-studded starting lineup, the Neon Ballerz trotted out an imposing second unit. Headlined by Coach of the Year Justin Korman, the bench had talent, necessitating frequent substitutions. On the court, Korman served as the floor general of the team. On the sideline, he devised clever schemes and led the Neon Ballerz's "7th man." Whoever wasn't on the floor was creating the Ballerz's home-court advantage by chanting "Let's Go Ballerz! N B Silence!" Another skillful reserve, Joshua Miller provided the team with reliable serving and Dikembe Mutombo-like play at the net. Oliver Rose not only had the highest ace percentage on the team but was also very versatile. Emily Irvin gave the Ballerz a dependable presence in the backcourt, strengthening the team's defense. Katherine Groves also played a significant role on defense, kept points alive with her hustle, and was the best trash talker. With a volleyball background, Vivian Ward gave the Neon Ballerz intangibles and showcased her soccer skills by keeping points alive with her feet. Jonah Grove contributed with key plays both at the net and the backcourt.
Although they did not have much experience playing together, this collective group was a force to be reckoned with. Their first opponent, Block and Bridle, found that out. The match began anti-climactically, with Block and Bridle forfeiting due to a lack of players. The two teams still decided to play the game out as an exhibition match.
The Neon Ballerz won a tight first set, fueled by the all-around play of the starting line-up. During the first set, Korman experimented with substituting Clark and Miller every point to give the team a boost of "instant offense." The strategy proved to be ingenious.
After dropping the first set, Block and Bridle put together a strong showing in the second set to knot it up at one set apiece. They followed their second set performance with success in the third set, winning the first six points. Not to be deterred by a 6-0 deficit, Korman called time-out and regrouped the troops. After winning a few points, it was Czekaj's turn to serve. And just like that, momentum completely shifted. Czekaj produced a string of speedy, yet powerful serves and Block & Bridle stared helplessly, unable to react. While she eventually lost serve, the Ballerz maintained their composure down the stretch and held on for a 15-13 victory in the third set.
The first match of the season was a shining success for the Neon Ballerz. They hoped it would mark the resurgence of Neon Ballerz volleyball.
Players of the Game: Elizabeth Czekaj and Owen Burkett