Ramstein’s Ella Yost spikes the ball as SHAPE’s Wiktoria Rybka, left, and Emma Richards try to defend during the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – Nobody celebrated Reece Black’s final point more than the Lakenheath boys volleyball team.

The Ramstein hitter slammed the ball to the ground to seal a come-from-behind victory in the third set against the SHAPE Spartans, giving the Royals a 25-12, 20-25, 26-24 victory.

The Spartans finished the day 2-4 at the DODEA-Europe volleyball qualifying tournament Saturday at Ramstein High School, the same as the Lancers. Lakenheath owned the tiebreaker after defeating SHAPE 25-18, 15-25, 25-19 earlier, giving the Lancers the second ticket to next weekend’s European tournament in the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

“It was so stressful but so amazing to watch,” Lakenheath middle blocker Jaylon Gatewood said of the three-set thriller between the Spartans and Royals. “I was so excited. I even ran over there to give them a high-five and hugs.”

The Royals already had earned a berth in the European championships after winning the first set against SHAPE. That gave them four victories after sweeping Lakenheath 25-13, 25-17, 25-21.

Midway through the second set, the Lancers didn’t need to sweat it. Ramstein enjoyed a 16-10 lead.

SHAPE responded, rattling off six consecutive points to tie it and finishing on 15-4 run.

The Spartans carried that form over into the final set, leading 21-15.

The home team reawakened at that point. It began with a Jayden-Shelton Murphy kill, one of two during an 11-3 run.

Black ended it with three straight points – a dink sandwiched between a pair of kills.

The Royals went 5-1 in the tournament.

“Their own pride and respect for it, they wanted to send a message that we’re here to play,” Ramstein coach Eric Kotzar said of the motivation to come back. “It doesn’t matter. We’re going to go out and try to play our volleyball.”

Lakenheath's Jaylon Gatewood spikes the ball during the Lancers' match against Ramstein at the 2025 DODEA European qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Lakenheath's Matthew Vasquez goes for the block against Ramstein's Reece Black during a match at the 2025 DODEA European qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Wiesbaden's Saniyh Housey goes to block an attack by Lakenheath's Audrey Young during the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

SHAPE libero Dimitra Karpontini bumps the ball as teammate Kira Muehlmann watches during a match against Ramstein on the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

As euphoric as the Lancers were, they paled in comparison to Black’s. The Royal said he had let a few errors earlier in the match get to him, so he worked on trying to stay calm ahead of the comeback.

That change of mentality proved fruitful.

“That felt so amazing,” Black said of the last point. “It was an adrenaline rush. I never felt anything quite like it.”

The drama only happened because of Lakenheath’s own ability to bounce back against SHAPE.

The Lancers struggled with serving and passing, and they were markedly better in those areas against SHAPE, coach Dennis Ullery said. He said Lakenheath then could use its firepower through athletes like Gatewood.

“We struggled to get into any sort of rhythm against Ramstein, missing serves and finding a rally or anything that could be effective,” Ullery said. “We’re bummed about that, but we’re keeping our heads high knowing that we finished, which is what you want to do.”

Although Black was happy to win, he admitted it was rough for the Spartans.

“We’ll see Lakenheath in Euros; unfortunately, we’ll not be seeing SHAPE,” Black said. “It’s sad. I have good friends on SHAPE.”

On the girls side, Wiesbaden and Ramstein advanced to Euros. The Warriors were perfect over the two days, going 8-1, and the Royals went 7-2.

Wiesbaden defeated Ramstein 25-23, 25-21, 23-25 Saturday evening to take the top spot at the qualifier.

Wiesbaden's Briahna Arroyo tips the ball around Lakenheath's Audrey Young during the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Ramstein's Nataliya Roa prepares to control a high ball in the back row while teammate Ella Yost watches during a match against SHAPE on the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Lakenheath's Giorden Francisco bumps a ball during a match against Wiesbaden on the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)

Lakenheath's Audrey Young, center, and Haedyn Hicks try to block a ball during a match against Wiesbaden on the second day of the 2025 DODEA European volleyball qualifying tournament on Nov. 1, 2025, at Ramstein High School on Ramstein Air Base, Germany. (Matt Wagner/Stars and Stripes)