Maribor, Slovenia — Day 4 brought another productive chapter to the CU High School Team's European tour, blending high-level training, team bonding, and another impressive performance on the court.
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The morning began with a focused 90-minute practice session, where the team sharpened its serving and passing while spending significant time in 6-on-6 competition. A new multi-ball drill emphasizing serve receive and transition challenged the players, who quickly adapted and elevated the intensity with competitive rallies. The session wrapped up with finishing games, giving the squad another opportunity to reinforce late-match execution.
Following practice, the team traded volleyball shoes for a little adventure. Players, coaches, trainers, and parents headed to a nearby ski slope for an afternoon of tobogganing and lunch, providing a welcome break from the gym and strengthening the bonds that continue to fuel the group's chemistry throughout the trip.
The day's final test came in a friendly match against a talented squad from Austin, Texas, coached by Hunter Haley, son of former Olympic and legendary USC women's volleyball coach Mick Haley. The match lived up to expectations, featuring long rallies and competitive play from start to finish. CU emerged victorious, claiming three of the four sets in another confidence-building performance.
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Offensively, Bennett Jullian led the charge with a standout attacking performance, while Will Schneiderman anchored the defense with timely digs that proved pivotal throughout all four sets. Their efforts highlighted a balanced team performance on both sides of the net.
| After three successful days of friendly matches, the CU High School Team now turns its attention to tournament play. The competition officially begins tomorrow with matches against Team BIP Europe and Team I-Vent Maribor, as the team looks to carry its momentum into the next phase of the trip. |