(SARHS sports) The SAR High School girls’ varsity volleyball team traveled to Atlanta for the AJA (Atlanta Jewish Academy) Volleyball Invitational, a four-day/eight-team tournament/shabbaton.

The Sting faced fierce competition from teams like Berman, Magen David, Frisch, Ma’ayanot, Atlanta Jewish Academy, Maimonides and Seattle and emerged victorious. Thanks to their 4-1 record, they won the entire tournament as well as the title of tournament champions.

Individual players also made their marks. Senior Ava Lapp won MVP and senior Abby Ruben won all tournament player. Other team members include Lia Hendlish-Lemberger, Lizzie Horowitz, Merav Kramer-Richard, Brielle Mechlowitz, Rena Newton, Adira Rebarber, Ayumi Silver, Ananya Silverman, Dahlia Sopher-Harelick, Jordana Waxman, Oriyan Weinberger and Lela Weisberger.

“Playing against different teams that we’ve never played before was exciting and challenging, especially because of all the various skill levels,” sayidRuben. “Our players really stepped up and gave it their all, and we are so proud to be a part of this team. No matter what challenges we faced, we came together and worked through it.”

In addition to battling it out on the volleyball court, there was also a Torah Bowl competition in which the SAR girls won second place. “Abby and I, as captains, along with our other co-captain Adira Rebarber, continuously worked to keep the morale and energy up” said Lapp. “After all of the competition, it was nice to have a shabbos full of singing and achdut. We would like to thank our Coach Ms. Gryzlo and, of course, Ginger for this very meaningful win.”

“The other teams were so impressed by SAR’s overall play and inspiring ruach,” said team coach Valerie Gryzlo. “We definitely left a great impression in Atlanta. Congratulations to everyone who made this trip a success.”