LAWRENCE, Kan. – Three teams from the NB Thunder volleyball program began their respective quests for the coveted Gold Ball on Thursday, and all three teams remain alive in that pursuit as Day Two arrives at the National Christian Homeschool Volleyball Championship.

After earning an overall No. 8 seed, the Varsity Black team seeks its best-ever finish at the national championship.  Coach Chris Valdez’s troop took a major step in that direction in winning all three of its pool play matches on Thursday and lifting its season record to 31-6.

Despite the results, the day wasn’t necessarily a smooth ride.  The Thunder dropped a set to the HCYA Eagles in their second match, forcing them to win both sets against the Indy Genesis in the nightcap to retain the top position in the pool.  With a strong effort to end the night, NBT swept the Genesis, secured its spot atop the pool, and kept possession of its preferred path in bracket play.

On Friday, the Thunder open with a 5 p.m. match against a familiar foe, the Aggieland Panthers.  The two squads met just 13 days ago at the Southwest Regional Championship where the Thunder won in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-8.  Friday’s contest will also mark a rematch of the two squads that fought for the Division II national championship two years ago.

Beyond the Panthers, a likely match against the defending national champions and top overall seed, FBCHA, awaits.  NBT hasn’t met FBCHA on the court since pool play in last year’s national tournament.  That potential gold ball match will be a best-of-five tilt slated for 8 p.m.

The NBT Varsity Purple squad, competing in the JV division, also finished atop its pool on Thursday. The Thunder cruised past the Illinois Cru before splitting sets with the Lighthouse Chargers (MO) and winning the match on point differential.

That finish places the Thunder into the Gold Quarterfinals where they will face the Mighty Piranhas of Harrisonville, Mo., Match time is 10 a.m. Friday.  A victory will put NBT in a 3 p.m. semifinal match while a loss will send it to the Copper Bracket.

Rounding out the Black & Teal contingent is the JV Black team, which finished third in its pool on Thursday.

Coach Katie Stefek’s unit will now compete for the 16U Division II title and opens play with an early match against Team USA.  By tournament rule, the Thunder will advance in the bracket regardless of the match’s outcome and are guaranteed a spot in the Gold Quarterfinals on Friday afternoon.

NB Thunder Friday match schedule

8:00 am JV Black v Team USA (Court 6B)

10:00 am Varsity Purple v Mighty Piranhas (Court 8B)

11:00 am JV Black v TBD (Court 3B)

1:00 pm Varsity Purple v Copper Bracket opponent* (Court 8B)

3:00 pm Varsity Purple v Gold Bracket opponent* (Court 5B)

5:00 pm Varsity Black v Aggieland Panthers (Court 1B)

7:00 pm Varsity Black v Bronze Bracket opponent* (Court 1A)

8:00 pm Varsity Black v Gold Bracket opponent* (Court 3A)

All games to be aired live on Thunder TV, signal permitting

Location

XMJ9+VH, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA