BADGERS CLOSE PRE-SEASON SCHEDULE AT VALLEY OF THE SUN TOURNAMENT

by Tyler Hughes
Snow College finishes pre-season with a 15-13 record

Scottsdale – The Snow Badgers participated in their fourth pre-season tournament as they continue preparations for the upcoming conference schedule kicking off September 27th at Salt Lake Community College.  The Valley of the Sun Tournament saw Snow compete against seven different opponents while compiling a 3-4 record in the tournament.

On day one of the tournament Snow had matches with both Chandler/Gilbert College as well as tournament host, Scottsdale.  The Badgers were able to pick up a two-set win over Chandler/Gilbert (25-22, 25-18) in their first match before falling to the Scottsdale Artichokes in their second match of the day (17-25, 18-25). 

Friday saw the Badgers participate in three matches while beginning the competition with NJCAA Division II #4, Glendale Community College.  A difficult match saw the Gauchos come away the win (20-25, 21-25).  The Badgers were able to bounce right back, however, as they defeated Arizona Western in two sets (25-23, 25-18).  Snow’s final contest of the day came against Eastern Arizona.  The Badgers and Gila Monsters battled for three sets before the Badgers eventually defeated (20-25, 25-10, 13-15).       

Saturday was highlighted by Snow knocking off Division II #19, Phoenix College.  The Badgers opened things up quickly with a dominating first set victory before winning their second set with the Bears (25-15, 25-21).  A tough team matched up with the Badgers in their seventh and final match on Saturday as Snow fell to Florida Community College (25-27, 18-25). 

“The team is working through some rotations that seem to be clicking.  The extra repetitions have helped everyone becoming a little more familiar with each other.  We are looking forward to the season opener next weekend at SLCC,” said Coach Calles.  

The Badgers will be in action next on September 27th when they square off against national power, Salt Lake Community College who is currently ranked 4th in the NJCAA Division I polls.  A 3:00 PM start time in Salt Lake City will kick things off.  The Badgers will then return for their home opener on October 3rd versus North Idaho College at 7:00 PM followed by a 3:00 PM match on the October 4th against the College of Southern Idaho. 

The Badgers currently hold a 15-13 record heading into conference play and were able to finish as the runner-up in two of their four pre-season tournaments that featured some of the best competition in the country.