Tier 1 Rankings
1: New York Team LVC (21-3) 56PTS
Team LVC the clear cut VLA Champions. A remarkable regular season, their depth kept them on top of the rankings all season giving them just enough time to get their full ideal roster together by the championships.
Interesting Stat: Team LVC only dropped 2 sets in 4 matches to claim the VLA Title
Key Players: Opposite Jordan Varee - Middle Blake Leeson - Outside Hitter/Libero Dave Evans - Middle Lansana Rogers
Next Event: 2023 Season
2: Chicago Icemen (15-6) 45PTS
Icemen came up short to Team LVC in the finals. Finishing 2nd for Icemen probably doesn't feel like an accomplishment as they were certainly a team that was built to win a title. Icemen has a few questions that need to be answered if they are going to become the favorite again for next season.
Interesting Stat: Icemen's Championship match loss to Team LVC was their first loss to LVC since July 3rd 2020
Key Players: Setter Sanil Thomas - Middle Brandon Poindexter - Outside Hitter Will Craft - Outside Hitter Kyle Overby
Next Event: 2023 Season
3: Boston Bounce (10-11) 29PTS
Unlike Icemen, Boston Bounce should feel very accomplished about their 2022 Season. It was only their first full VLA Season, they were the only team that wasn't of the original 5 to make it to the championships, they defeated both Division Rivals Team LVC and Force and they took down Phoenix Ascension to make it to the Semi Finals at the VLA Championships. The question is do they become contenders after this season? or do they remain a middle of the pack team?
Interesting Stat: Bounce was only 6-9 VS Tier 1 Teams this season. A record good enough to consistently make the playoffs, but will be difficult to improve on until they have better success against Division Rival Team LVC
Key Players: Opposite Neil Ferraro - Setter Collin Ritter - Outside Hitter Ryan Love - Middle Skyler Kaufman
Next Event: 2023 Season
3: Indiana Team Pineapple (8-11) 24PTS
There were times when Team Pineapple looked like they could be the championship caliber team that matches the historical brand. The 5 set victory over Rising Tide to get them in to the VLA Championship Semi Finals was one of those times... but they still haven't found the pieces that can get them to compete with the consistent Icemen or Team LVC squads.
Interesting Stat: Team Pineapple played more 5 set matches going 3-3 than any other team in Tier 1.
Key Players: Libero Shaun Dryden - Opposite Kyle Radde - Outside Hitter Evan Gebert - Middle Matt Harpenau
Next Event: 2023 Season
5: SoCal Rising Tide (11-10) 35PTS
Rising Tide was some analyst's choice to win the title. Claiming the West Division Championship and finally finding their stride, they looked poised to make a solid run at the VLA Championships. Unfortunately, they were plagued with consistent and some times uninspired play against teams they were more talented than. Rising Tide still looks to be the favorite out of the West Division, but does that mean much as far as a title run goes?
Interesting Stat: Rising Tide was 5-5 against Division Rivals Phoenix Ascension and SportConX for the 2022 season.
Key Players: Middle Kris Johnson - Opposite Davis Cannon - Outside Hitter John Predney - Outside Hitter Miles Evans
Next Event:2023 Season
6: Phoenix Ascension (9-13) 29PTS
Considering Ascension lost 8 players from its 2021 roster, the rebuild year for the Cactus Men was very successful. A formidable run at the VLA Cup followed by the extremely competitive showing at the VLA Championships puts Ascension a few pieces away from being on the upper half of the Tier 1 rankings. We will see what they put together for the 2023 season.
Interesting Stat: 3-6 against their West Division opponents on the season.
Key Players: Opposite Bryan Lewis - Middle Jonathan Bishop - Outside Hitter Sam Haggard - Libero Cody Montagno
Next Event: 2023 Season
7: Chicago Sweed (0-0) 0PTS
Chicago Sweed is the first ever VLA team to earn their way into Tier 1 with the new standards. A well deserved Tier 2 Championship run left no doubt on where they belong. Throughout their 2022 run they defeated Team Pineapple, Icemen and Northeast Force twice, proving they belong in the ranks of Tier 1. Moving into the 2023, Sweed is clearly entering into the toughest Division in the VLA with Team Pineapple and Icemen being contenders each year. Look for Sweed to feel right at home as they prepare for their first ever VLA Tier 1 Season
Interesting Stat: Sweed was 4-5 against Tier 1 Opponents in 2022.
Key Players: Coming Soon!
Next Event: 2023 Season
8: Northeast Force (5-13) 17PTS
Force is still suffering from the 1st year learning curb that was expected of them this season. Regardless, Force still appears to be on the cusp of a solid outing and it very well could come from their performance at the VLA Cup. They may be the lowest seed in the VLA Rankings but they are plenty capable of putting together an end of the season run to put them in position to claim a playoff spot.
Interesting Stat: Force is 1-8 against their East Division Rivals. They are most likely looking forward to the opportunity of competing against a few teams outside of their division at the VLA Cup.
Key Players: Outside Hitter Brad Borsay - Opposite Clay Paulin - Setter Kevin Goncalves - Libero Tim McIntosh
Next Event: May 13-15th - VLA Cup - Angola, Indiana
22/23 Tier 2 Rankings
1: Cleveland Team ECV (2-0) 2PTS (25) 0Cups (1)
Team ECV started the Tier 2 season off right grabbing 2 wins and 2 points in the first ever Tier 2 Round Robin. ECV hosted the matches in Cleveland as visitors Niagara Frontier and newly formed A2 Columbus Crimson embarked on the historic event.
Interesting Stat: Team ECV is 2-0 lifetime against Niagara Frontier.
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
2: A2 Columbus Crimson (1-1) 1PTS (1)
A2 Columbus Crimson started off their VLA Campaign with a victory over Niagara Frontier gaining their first point and a first step into the world of professional volleyball. Even though they weren't able to take down Team ECV to go 2-0 for the weekend, this was a promising showing for what the future may hold for this fresh new squad.
Interesting Stat:
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
3: Niagara Frontier (0-2) 0PTS (3)
Frontier was part of the historical first ever VLA Tier 2 Round Robin hosted by Team ECV. Someone had to go empty handed and Frontier ended up being that team. The squad showed flashes of its true potential but was unable to capitalize on multiple set points in both matches which resulted in a 1-3 loss to ECV and 0-3 loss to Crimson. Niagara has a solid roster and will find more and more success if it capitalizes on future opportunities to compete.
Interesting Stat: Has yet to win a match against a Tier 2 team, its only win was against Tier 1 Northeast Force.
Next Event: 2022 -23 Season
2022 Tier 2 Rankings
1: Cleveland Team ECV (2-0) 2PTS (25) 0Cups (1)
Team ECV started the Tier 2 season off right grabbing 2 wins and 2 points in the first ever Tier 2 Round Robin. ECV hosted the matches in Cleveland as visitors Niagara Frontier and newly formed A2 Columbus Crimson embarked on the historic event.
Interesting Stat: Team ECV is 2-0 lifetime against Niagara Frontier.
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
2: A2 Columbus Crimson (1-1) 1PTS (1)
A2 Columbus Crimson started off their VLA Campaign with a victory over Niagara Frontier gaining their first point and a first step into the world of professional volleyball. Even though they weren't able to take down Team ECV to go 2-0 for the weekend, this was a promising showing for what the future may hold for this fresh new squad.
Interesting Stat:
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
1: SoCal Rukkus (0-0) 40PTS (40) 0 Cups (2)
Rukkus was finally thwarted at the VLA Cup by their brother club Hawaii "Imi Ola. The run of dominance wasn't considered a shock as the team began to look vulnerable in the Central Division Cup and without the dominance of Michael Wexter, they were missing a key piece to the puzzle. Rukkus elected not to participate in the 2022 VLA Tier 2 Championships, therefore Rukkus will remain on the fringe of another Tier 1 invitation. If they decided to, it wouldn't be surprising if Rukkus continues to be the most dominant and feared team in the VLA for 2023.
Interesting Stat: Rukkus found themselves faced up against 'Imi Ola in all 3 Cups they both participated in this season, finishing 2-1 against them.
Next Event: 2022 -23 Season
2: Hawaii 'Imi Ola (0-0) 0PTS (30) 0 Cups (1)
'Imi Ola had a sprinkle of youth to add in with their veteran core of Srdjan Nadazdin and CJ Suarez. The result was a VLA Cup title. Hardly an underdog, the squad came in as the 5th seed in their Pool to storm through Team Pineapple in their first match, taking down NE Force in QuarterFinals and finally on Championships Sunday, on ESPN took down both SoCal Rukkus and Milwaukee Dive. An exciting display of dominace from the youth and experience that made the team successful. 'Imi Ola elected not to compete in the Tier 2 Championships so we will see in 2023 if 'Imi Ola will pick up where they left off? Or will they continue to be an average performing Tier 2 team like they were prior to the cup.
Interesting Stat: The victory over Rukkus in the Semi Finals of the VLA Cup was their first win over them in 3 attempts.
Next Event: 2022-23 Season
4: Milwaukee Dive (0-0) 0PTS (44)
Milwaukee Dive had an outstanding first season. VLA Cup and Tier 2 Championship Runner up finishes is nothing to be disappointed about.Chasing Sweed for the Central Division promotion was a tall order for any team and Milwaukee Dive almost pulled it off. Dive needs an even better 2022/23 campaign if they are hoping to get the bid for next season. It actually is a strong possibility that if Dive stays motivated and active in the extended Tier 2 Season, the odds are in their favor they could be sitting where Sweed is by next June.
Interesting Stat: Dive Maintains a winning record against all Central Division Opponents Tier 1 and Tier 2
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
5: River City Flow (0-0) 0PTS (36)
River City Flow has been consistent and steady for the duration of their 2022 campaign. They have a solid squad that can compete and beat any team in the VLA and they are addressing their depth issue moving forwards. The VLA Cup was an impressive showing, making it to Championship Sunday and being featured on ESPN. Expect Flow to continue to build moving into next season. They are still a few pieces and probably 2 seasons away, but they are definitely a favorite to be the first team in the Tier 2 East Division to be promoted to Tier 1.
Interesting Stat: .Flow played 4 of their 7 matches in the VLA Cup against East Division opponents going 3-1 and only losing to New York Team LVC.
Next Event: 2022-23 Season
6: Illinois 630 Buddy Bears (0-0) 0PTS (16)
Slunkers were able to sneak into the Tier 2 Championships after a few higher ranked teams elected not to play. Once they were there, they definitely made the most of it, grabbing a 3rd place finish and two 5 set wins over Team ECV. The 2022 season was a successful one overall as they established themselves as a consistent and formidable competitor throughout the year. A little more fire power and size will help the Slunkers in 2023, the question is, will they get what they need in time to compete with Milwaukee Dive to be the next Central Division Team to earn promotion?
Interesting Stat: Slunkers are absolutely deadly in 5 set matches going 4-1 for the season in them.
Next Event: 2022-23 Season
7: New York Pride (0-0) 0PTS (17)
Pride definitely had one of the toughest schedules in the VLA Cup, starting off with Milwaukee Dive followed up by NE Force. Only to play the next day against Team LVC and Team Pineapple. Ultimately, Pride fared well bnly grabbing 2 points in the 5 set loss to Team LVC. The key for Pride to continue to have success will be to eventually have a breakout match against a top ranked competitor. Pride consistently beats the teams they are ranked above, but has a tendency become a push over against the top ranked teams. That match almost came against Team LVC, but instead, it will have to wait until next season for them to have that breakout performance.
Interesting Stat: Pride's loss to Milwaukee Dive was their first 1st match loss in either of the 3 Cups they competed in. Previously they were 2-0 in the their first matches.
Next Event: 2022-23 Season
8: West Coast Brigade (0-0) 0PTS (13)
Brigade has had various ups this season but they definitely came across a few tough times as the season went on. A heart breaking 5 set loss to Madison Inferno to start off tthe VLA Cup set the tone for the weekend. Though, unlike a few of their Tier 2 counterparts, Brigade was able to grab a few points and a victory of MICA in their consolation bracket match. Brigade was able to learn a lot in the 2022 season, expect them to continue to grow as they build their foundations in the Southern California volleyball scene.
Interesting Stat: Brigade has played the most matches in the VLA this season at 18
Next Event: 2022-23 Season
9: NorCal Tall Ones (0-0) 0PTS (7)
Just like in the West Division Cup, Tall Ones waited until the end of the Event to grab their first win. Only this time they did it twice, grabbing back to back 5 set victories over Madison Inferno and Team ECV. Tall Ones continues to be a consistent competitor and has created a solid foundation to build on a move forward into the next season. They finish the season at 3-6 as the Central Division Cup was their last Event for 2022. Look to see them pick up where they left off in the Tier 2 West Division for the 2022/23 season.
Interesting Stat: 2-0 in their final match of an event.
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
10: Madison Inferno (0-0) 0PTS (7)
Inferno started off exactly how they wanted to at the VLA Cup, taking the first match in 5 against West Coast Brigade. Taking Team LVC to 4 was another solid performance and something to be proud of. Unfortunately, that was the end of the good fortune. Inferno matched up against Force who almost allowed Inferno to make it to a 5 setter, but they were no match for Sweed who had just been upset in their first round matchup. Inferno put up a good fight as they tested the waters in the 2022 season. The group from Madison, Wisconsin continues to be highly motivated and they building a solid consistent product to compete against anyone in the VLA. Time and experience is the most valuable thing for them as they move into the 2023 season.
Interesting Stat: Inferno has a higher point ratio than their Tier 2 Rival 630 Slunkers, the key for them is simply getting more matches played if they want to be considered for Tier 1 in the future.
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
11: Niagara Frontier VBC (0-0) 3PTS (3)
Frontier made a huge splash in the East Division Cup by taking down Tier 1 Team Northeast Force in the first round of the bracket play. The East Division Cup was a trial run in the VLA for the club, but after the results from Day 2 of the event, they are hungry for more and all in to compete in the VLA. The East Division of the VLA is starting to look more and more dangerous with each passing event. Niagara Frontier fits right in and will make the division progression that much more interesting in the coming seasons.
Interesting Stat: Frontier may have went 1-3 for the tournament but they took sets off of Team LVC, Sweed and Flow. With a bit more experience, we could be looking at a new contender in the Tier 2 East Division.
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
13: Michigan MICA VC (0-0) 0PTS (1)
MICA VC came into the VLA relatively unknown outside of the Central Division Community. They put up a solid fight throughout the entire VLA Cup and even walked away with a point after a 5 set loss in their consolation match against West Coast Brigade. An exciting new chapter for the VLA to have MICA compete is that there is now another team from another state represented in the growing league. MICA's dedication to the VLA and their tier 2 progression is still to be seen. However, there is a lot of optimism surrounding the MiCA camp and we wouldn't be surprised to see them as a permanent fixture amongst the Tier 2 Central Division teams next season.
Interesting Stat: MICA VC played Central Division Tier 1 Champs Chicago Icemen and took a set off of them. Icemen was the only Central Division Team to play MICA.
Next Event: 2022/23 Season
14: Seattle Riptide (0-0) 0PTS (0)
The squad from the Pacific Northwest started off their VLA debut with the tall order of playing 2nd seed Phoenix Ascension followed by the top ranked Tier 2 team in the East NY Pride. Seattle fared well, including taking sets from both Pride and Brigade, but their inexperience and lack of depth kept them from being able to walk away from the West Division Cup with any points. Riptide's next event is the VLA Cup where nothing will get any easier for them. With the addition of some depth on the pin, they will have an opportunity legitimize themselves as a threat in the VLA Tier 2.
Interesting Stat: Played two Tier 2 West Division Rivals at the West Division Cup. The NorCal Tall Ones VS Seattle Riptide has the potential to develop into an interesting rivalry in the North West.
15: Toronto Indocan VBC (0-0) 0PTS (0)
The club that made the VLA an International League. Indocan Volleyball Club out of Toronto, Canada, will make its VLA debut at the East Division Cup in Buffalo, New York April 9-10th.
Interesting Stat:
