Locals play key roles for club teams

Laguna Beach athletes Alek Burk and Troy Donenfeld helped lead the Costa Mesa-based club team Balboa 15 Quiksilver to the gold medal in the 15 Open Division tournament at the USA Junior Olympic Boys’ Volleyball Championships in Sandy, Utah.

In addition to Burk and Donenfeld, the Balboa 18-1’s, featuring Laguna All-CIF setter Clay Knapp, won the gold medal in its division, and the Balboa 16-1s, with Breakers Travis Woloson and Reed Thompson playing key roles, also won gold in its division.

Laguna’s Cooper Gwaltney, an all-league player last season, played for the Balboa’s 17-1’s that competed Wednesday in its division gold medal match. The outcome wasn’t available at press time.

Balboa 15 Quiksilver went undefeated in the tournament by winning all 11 of its matches and concluded play Monday with a 27-25, 25-21 victory over Manhattan Beach Surf 15s in the gold medal match at South Towne Exposition Center.

Manhattan Beach also was undefeated entering the title match.

To reach the gold medal match, Balboa 15 Quiksilver knocked off Torrimar 15 of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, 25-19, 25-15, in the semifinal round.

The Balboa 15 Quiksilver roster is made up of high school-aged players from various schools in Orange County. Burk and Donenfeld, both of whom will be sophomores in September, represented Laguna Beach High.

Burk, an outside hitter, was never rested in the entire four-day, 11-match tournament. Known for his consistent play, he recorded numerous kills, proficient passing skills and tenacious defense.

Donenfeld, a defensive specialist, also played in every match. He used his quickness and speed to dig several balls that enabled Balboa to win several key points throughout the tournament.

In addition, the Balboa 14-1’s team captured bronze.

The USA Junior Olympic Boys’ Volleyball Championships crowned Open Division winners in five age groups between 14 and 18. In addition, seven Club Division titles were up for grabs in the 12-year-old category through Under-18.