November 19, 2005 -  The National Capitals 14U girls woke up early on Saturday, November 23rd feeling much anxiety and excitement pending their first tournament, the OVA 14U Girls Provincial Cup - Zone G.  As they drove through slushy, snowy streets to beautiful Gisèle Lalonde High School in Cumberland, each  player contemplated the importance of this tournament.  Coach Newton had worked them hard.  Could they live up to their dream and make it to Tier 1?

The first match against Durham Attack started with a booming serve from Kayla to score the first point, as the team settled into the rhythm of volleying: Jesse to Sarah to Alannah for game point and their first win, 25-4.  Set 2 saw Jamie serving up a total of 13 points to take the CAPS to another 25-4 win.  What an exciting and strong start to the tournament!

After a short break the CAPS played Northumberland Breakers, winning the first set 25-20.  (There was only one rally in the whole game!)  Set 2 with Northumberland saw Alannah consistently hitting sharp crosses and Jessica pounding the ball over the net.  At 19-18, Coach Newton called a timeout to discuss strategy and positioning.  Once the team regrouped, they solidified the victory by a score of 25-18.

The girls' third match was against Kingston's Pegasus Blast and saw the CAPS get off to a slow start, letting their opponents run out to an 8-2 lead.  Their veteran setter, Kayla, served to get the game back and hold Pegasus at 15, as the CAPS walked away with 25 points, a set of victories and first place in their pool.

Pool play had prepared the CAPS well for Pegasus Black from Kingston,  which the CAPS defeated handily in straight sets in the quarter-finals by scores of 25-10, 25-11.

In the semis, the CAPS continued their command of the court with wins in both sets over Mavericks Rattlers from Ottawa, 25-16 and 25-19.

The team continued to play hard with a good rally in their final match against Pegasus Blast to win the first set 25-10.  In the second, Kayla finished the match with an ace for a 25-18 win and the 14U Capitals' first gold medal!  This victory also made sure the girls achieved their goal of making it into Tier 1 at the 14U level.

Coach Newton was ecstatic. "The team has far exceeded my expectations.  Our serving was very strong, with exceptional play by the veterans, Jamie, Kayla and Kristen and from the entire team.  They looked like a good volleyball team, and played with structure.  I am very proud of them.   Everyone got to experience court time - they've all done very well considering how short a time we've all been together."  Coach Newton added, "They were ready and their hard work paid off."

Thanks to all of the moms and dads for cheering and for helping to make this day a great success.  Coach Newton and the girls anticipate a very competitive level of play on December 10th at the 14U Girls McGregor Cup - Tier 1, in Milton.  Good luck CAPS - what a great start to the season!

Silver: Pegasus Blast (Kingston)

Bronze: Mavericks Rattlers (Ottawa)

4. Ottawa Kangaroos