PBC volleyball tournament a hit even with Pacers eliminated early 11/14/2009 11:51 PM
By NOAH FEIT Staff writer
It could have been considered a worst-case scenario when Peach Belt Conference volleyball tournament host USC Aiken was eliminated on the first day of the three-day event. It didn't help that fellow CSRA school Augusta State was also knocked out in the opening round of the event being held at the USC Aiken Convocation Center.
Based on the beaming grin on the face of Peach Belt Conference commissioner David Brunk and the spirited play of the four remaining teams vying for a tournament championship, nothing could be further from the truth.
"I think things have been going great," Brunk said in between matches on Saturday, in spite of the Pacers' early exit. "It's a roll of the dice, but we had good crowds (Friday). Overall, with the environment here, we hit a home run."
Brunk was effusive with his praise for the facilities at the Convocation Center, the staff organizing and operating the tournament and the caliber of play.
"I always look forward to USC Aiken hosting events," Brunk said. "It's the best experience possible, especially for student-athletes."
Brunk saw those student-athletes in action from a courtside seat for Saturday's semifinal matches. Top-seeded Flagler ousted No. 4 Montevallo 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-23) and No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic beat No. 6 Lander 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-18).
That set up a championship match between the Peach Belt's top two teams from the regular season. The title game will be played today at 2 p.m. at the Convocation Center.
Brunk described it as an ideal time for members of the community to come watch a championship sporting event after leaving church.
"I love the facility here. It's so conducive to holding a championship," Brunk said. "It lends itself to a good championship."
In spite of being eliminated on Friday, Pacers coach Glenn Cox was on hand to take in the action. Like Brunk, Cox believes that the winner of the Peach Belt can go a long way in the national tournament.
"I feel like whoever wins the conference has got a great chance to make the Elite Eight," said Cox, who was also glad to see the tournament played at the Convocation Center. "It's wonderful to have it here. It's great for Aiken. It's a great event."
The only thing that would have made the tournament better for Cox was the possibility of prowling the sideline in the championship game. The first-day loss, combined with a late-season swoon, makes it more than likely that the Pacers have played their last game of the season. After dropping in the region standings, an at-large berth to the national tournament isn't likely.
"We will find out (today)," Cox said of being invited to the field. "There's a slim chance, but I'm not counting on it. I'm 98 percent sure the season is over."
In spite of an early end to the season, USC Aiken had plenty to be proud about this weekend. USC Aiken players Shannon Byers and Lauren Cedeno were chosen to the All-Conference second team. Byers, a freshman, led the team with 326 kills while Cedeno, a senior setter, led the Pacers with 781 assists.
Cox noted that almost all of the roster composed primarily of underclassmen will be returning for next season and hinted that the Pacers will be adding some highly-touted new recruits.
"We had a productive season and lots of kids stepped up," Cox said. "We're going to get in better shape, get faster, stronger and will keep working to get better. ... I'm already ready for next year."
The Pacers can also take pride in being good hosts. It's something that didn't escape notice from the commissioner.
"I hope we'll be able to bring more championship events to the area," Brunk said. "We can really showcase the Peach Belt and the student-athletes here. It's a win-win for the conference and the institution. Aiken brings people to the campus."
Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.
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