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The Surry Storm volleyball club displays silver medals after winning in a huge comeback against Carolina Select in a tournament in Forbush. Team member are Tessa Rodgers Kristel Hicinbothem, Gabi Jessup, Sydney Marion, Jessi Marion, Kaci Markle and Cheyenne Kota.

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The Surry Storm girls volleyball team coached by Jan Marion-Kiser returned from a Carolina Regional Volleyball Tournament in Forbush last weekend wearing silver medals after clinching the silver division award in a tough fought victory.

They have won two of their last three tournaments so far this season.

The Storm won their first tournament of the season at Providence Grove High School and brought home a bronze award. They recently finished third overall in the gold division after competing in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The Storm has only seven players, ages 15-16 years old. They are local high school players all from East Surry except for Tessa Rodgers, who plays for the Bears during the regular season. The Surry Storm players are Sydney Mosley, Kacie Markle, Gabi Jessup, Jessi Marion, Cheyenne Kota, Kristel Hicinbothem and Rodgers.

Marion-Kiser said, “We are a small team and every player has to contribute. They have to play front and back row. This is a really strong group and they have been the best to coach. They have good chemistry, they work so hard and play hard.”

The coach said the Storm can play up to 10 teams or more during an individual tournament and said the tournaments are very competitive.

In a dramatic comeback, the Storm played Carolina Select losing to them in the first two sets. Marion-Kiser said her team dug in and pulled out a comeback winning three sets in a row. Then, they won the next two matches to bring home the silver medal from Forbush.

The Surry Storm team is part of the Carolina Regional Volleyball Association and is one of 40 Regional Volleyball Associations of the USA Volleyball affiliation. The Surry Storm team plays in the West Junior Olympic Division and competes against other affiliated teams across the state of North Carolina.The organization helps players during the off-season become more competitive and helps to promote the sport of volleyball.

The organization also brings recognition for players. Marion-Kiser said, “Two of our girls have had college scouts approach them.”