January 14, 2006 - The 16U CAPS began 2006 with a trip to Whitby for the OVA 17U Girls Challenge Cup - Tier 1.  This weekend Coach Harris was in Philadelphia with the 18U CAPS, so the tasks of running the team were turned over to the girls' newly minted assistant coach, Rebecca Chambers.  Coach Chambers teamed up with Everton Senior from Algonquin College to set the personal and team goals for the day and to lead the team through what promised to be a tough tournament.

Play began with a match versus Georgian Bay Vista, the number 2 ranked team in the tournament.  The CAPS came out with strength, jumping out to an early and commanding lead.  They continued to build, and at the midpoint were ahead 13-6.  About that time Georgian Bay seemed to wake up and the momentum began to flow their way - all the way through to the 17-25 final score.  They then continued to pressure the CAPS in the second set, handing them a 16-25 loss.  The second and final match of pool play put the CAPS up against DRVC from Ashburn.  The CAPS came out ready to work hard and, in both sets, showed that they could play on par with the best teams that 17U had to offer.  The final scores were 18-25 and 21-25.  The girls finished in 3rd place in pool play.

After a nice break for lunch the girls took the opportunity to walk to the other end of the venue to cheer on the 14U CAPS in their tournament.  Then it was on to the playoffs.

The initial round saw the girls challenging Durham Attack Black from Oshawa.  In the first half of the first set, the teams traded points over excellent rallies in an even game.  Then Durham managed to run a few points in a row and they never looked back.  Final scores were 19-25 and 17-25.  The outcome meant that the girls would play their next match immediately, against Georgian Bay Vista.  Vista, who had finished first in their pool, had just lost to the 3rd place team in Pool C, and were hungry for a win.  Our CAPS played well and worked hard but their opponents took advantage of every opportunity to take the victory by scores of 17-25 and 18-25. 

Coaches Chambers and Senior saw the day as a huge learning experience, for themselves and for the team.   "17U Tier 1 is a very challenging place to be. The teams here are skilled, play tough and work hard.  The girls showed that they were capable of standing up to these teams and, with a bit more confidence and consistency, they'll have a great chance of doing well.  Each player was successful at achieving the personal goals they had set for themselves and, even though it was a tough afternoon, they should feel good about things."

Thanks to the Hofmanns for graciously opening their doors to the girls and for providing a place to stay on Friday night.  As well, many thanks to the parents who stayed with the billetted players and ensured that they were well taken care of, fed and delivered to the tournament on time.  A special thank you also goes to Everton, who made the long trip down to Whitby on Saturday morning.  The time and effort that everybody puts in to making this team a great experience is very much appreciated.

The 16U CAPS next tournament is on January 28th at the OVA 16U Girls Challenge Cup - Tier 1, in Scarborough.