Fort Lauderdale Flyers Soar to Victory: Silver Bracket Champions at VLA Cup
The Fort Lauderdale Flyers are bringing pride to their hometown. The team clinched the silver bracket championship at the VLA Cup, held May 17th - May 19th in Madison, Wisconsin. The team’s remarkable journey, culminating in a thrilling final match, showcased their exceptional talent, teamwork, and determination.
A Remarkable Journey
The Flyers faced tough competition throughout the tournament. Despite a challenging start, they demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess to emerge victorious in the silver bracket of the largest professional men’s volleyball event in history.
Tournament Highlights
Day 1 Setbacks: The Flyers began the tournament with two losses, falling to 630 Breeze and DC Dynasty. These early setbacks only fueled their determination to succeed.
Day 2 Comeback: The Flyers bounced back with an impressive 2-0 record on the second day, defeating the Huron River Hitmen in a commanding 3-0 victory and securing another 3-0 win against Naptown Nitro in the silver bracket semifinals.
Championship Match: On Sunday, May 19th, the Flyers faced the Seattle Riptide in the finals. In a gripping match, the Flyers triumphed with a 3-2 victory. The standout player, Logan Whitaker, a 6'3" outside hitter, delivered an outstanding performance with 18 kills and only 3 errors. Rafael "Rafa" Robert, a 6'1" AVCA All American, also made significant contributions with 12 kills.
Quotes from the Team
“This victory is a testament to our hard work and dedication throughout the season,” said Clayton Adkins, Founder and libero for the Fort Lauderdale Flyers. “I couldn’t be more proud of this team. We showed incredible grit and heart, and this win is well-deserved.”
Team captain Rafael "Rafa" Robert echoed: “Coming back home as silver bracket champions in our first season is something we are all incredibly proud of. We’ve grown so much as a team, and this victory is just the beginning for us. We’re excited to bring this championship back to Fort Lauderdale.”
Looking Ahead
With the VLA Cup championship under their belt, the team will break for summer and then be back together to prepare for next season. The Flyers will next take the court on August 4th, 2024, for their fall pre-season home opener. Details and tickets will be available on the Flyers' official website.
