SEATTLE, WA - 8/18/06

The WVBA International team finished the 2nd Minas Tênis Clube International Cup in 7th place after back to back wins over Portugal. The team was unable to prevail over any of the Brazilian teams during the four days of competition here. We played well, but not well enough to overcome these very talented teams in Brazil.

We also lost our studly outside hitter Megan Amundson during a match on Day 3. Megan rolled her ankle while blocking when she landed on the foot of the opposing hitter that had landed before Megan under the net. The ankle has been recovering nicely and Megan should be ready to go for her high school preseason kicking off next week. Megan attributes the steady recovery to the two days of therapy on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

Pior to our departre the team spent two fabulous days in sunny Rio. The ocean temps were perfect for body surfing and the sun was just right for some serious tanning. The winters here are warmer than the summer in Seattle especially at sea level in Rio with highs in the 80s to low 90s and warm, pleasant nights.

We spent one last night with the host families in Belo Horizonte before saying our goodbyes Wednesday and boarding the bus to the airport at 4pm local time. This proved to be a very difficult time for all of us as the families took all of us into their homes and hearts and made us all part of their own families. It is this close relationship that is the most cherished part of our trip. We will miss everyone from Belo Horizonte so much until we get to see them again--hopefully very soon.

We have uploaded a lot of great pictures to the photo gallery. Soon the girls will all be contributing some of their own thoughts about their experience in Brazil to the website for all of you to enjoy.

2006 WVBA International
Team Roster
Betsy Devich - Setter
Anna Herold - Libero
Megan Amundson - Outside
Kimberly Strenge - Opposite
Lauren Curtis - Opposite
Leah Smith - Middle
Tara Kurack - Outside
Katie Gysler - Outside
Diondra Perry - Middle
Kelsey Brennan - Middle

The Mackenzie Clube of Belo Horizonte won the 17 & Under division with host Minas Tênis Clube finishing second. Flumenense of Rio de Janeiro won the 15 & Under division beating Minas Tênis Clube in the finals as well.

Kelsey Brennan of WVBA (Monroe, WA) was honored by the coaches of the tournament who voted her the BEST BLOCKER of the tournament. Congratulations Kelsey! The team from the Estados Unidos de America was the most consistent blocking team in the tournament.

Brazil Trip Photo Gallery

We had the greatest time imaginable in Belo Horizonte. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all of those that made the trip possible:

Minas Host Families
Gonzaga family (Clarissa)
Orsi family (Giovanna)
Rocha family (Luana)
Vasconcelo family (Luara)
Pedreira family (Graziella)

Minas Tênis Clube Leadership
President - Kouros Monadjemi
Director of Women's Volleyball - Ricardo Vieira Santiago
Director of Fundamental Sports Education - Luiza Pinheiro Machado
Supervisor of Women's Volleyball - Mario Marcos J. Procopio
Coaches Marcelo Melado Mesquita and Patricia Axer

We would also like to thank the parents of the players of WVBA International, Executive Director Karen Herold for making it possible, Bill Denman who helped defray some of the costs with a generous contribution to club, and our great players who took a small leap of faith by agreeing to come down here on our first trip to 'check it out'. This trip exceeded everyone's most optimistic expectations. We can't wait to share all of the details of our trip with everyone in Seattle that is interested.