VERONA - The Vernon-Verona-Sherrill boys volleyball team began the season in style by winning its "Spiking in the New Year" tournament.
The Red Devils won the six-team field with a 10-0 mark. Only runner-up Chittenango scored 20 points in a game against the hosts, so dominant was coach Jim Burton's VVS team. VVS beat the Bears 25-20, 25-17. The rest of the games the Red Devils outscored the opposition a combined 200-75.
"Overall I was pleased with our offense. Justin Smith and Mark Dixon hit the ball well," said Burton.
The Bears finished second with a 7-3 record, Cobleskill-Richmondville was next at 5-5, Hudson was 4-6, Ilion 3-7 and Little Falls was last at 1-9.
Smith finished with two aces, 24 assists and 33 kills and was named the tourney's MVP. Dixon had 29 kills and two blocks and made the All-Tournament team along with teammate Mike Blair, Chittenango's Pat Connelly and Steve Boswell, C-R's Andrew Trask, Hudson's Brandon Craver, Ilion's Jeremiah Gantz and LF's Tony Federico.
The Red Devils defense played exceptionally well for a team just beginning a season. Jordan Johnson played great at the net leading the team with five blocks.
"Defensively, our back row did a good job getting the ball to our setters," said Burton.
VVS stats
Justin Smith 2ac, 24as, 33k; Mark Dixon 29k, 2b; Mike Blair 19d, 2as, 2k; Shane Sullivan 1ac, 15d, 7k; Jordan Johnson 11k, 5b; Todd Brown 4ac, 41as; Justin Loboda 1ac, 5k; Ryan Matt 24d; Matt Sayles 3k; Rob Sweet 5k; Luke Voelker 1ac, 11as.
