The National Capitals 16U Girls started the 2004-05 volleyball season in fine fashion by playing up to the challenging 18U division at the Ontario Volleyball Association 18 & Under Girls Provincial Cup - Zone D tournament held at St. Patrick High School in Ottawa this past Saturday, November 6th.

The 16U CAPS faced the prospect of a higher net, older opposition, first tournament kinks, and possible jitters from playing in front of hometown fans and family.  But most proved surmountable to the girls in blue, the nucleus of the team having graduated from the 2003-04 15 & Under Canadian Championships - East Division Gold medal winning squad.  Their skill and experience allowed them to jump out to an unexpected start - reeling off three straight and convincing victories, defeating all opposition in their pool: the Ottawa Kangaroos, Pegasus from Kingston and Durham Attack Red.

"We knew we could do well", stated head coach and 2003 OVA Coach of the Year Cathy O'Doherty. "But we were absolutely thrilled to have won the pool.  All the girls played well as we tried to get everyone lots of playing time."

The realities of faster and stronger 18U play caught up with the CAPS in the playoff crossover.  They went up against the Ganaraska Wolves. "Ganaraksa was hot", commented coach O'Doherty.  "Their height and strength were too much for our girls.  We got rattled, and they didn't make an error until the second set."  The CAPS went down in straight sets to the eventual winners of the silver medal.

The sudden death format of the playoffs left many wanting more, but overall the NCVC squad achieved many objectives. They gained additional and early tournament experience, giving them a jump start against the expected competition at their first 16U event, the OVA 16 & Under Girls Provincial Cup - Zone E tournament to be held in Trenton on Saturday, November 20th.

A memorable moment for the team, one likely to bring smiles to teammates for the rest of season, involved soccer stalwart, Jill Baggott, showing off her foot-eye coordination.  In one rally, the agile setter saved two balls with her feet to keep the ball in play.

Special thanks to Newton Noor, tournament director, the members of the Host Organizing Committee, volunteer scorekeepers, and special mention to the 16U Girls team parents who did a fantastic job running the canteen, even while their daughters were at play on the court.