March 25, 2006 - The 14U CAPS headed off this past weekend to play up an age division at the OVA 15U Girls Bugarski Cup/Tier 2 in Etobicoke.  Having just qualified for Tier 2, the team was clearly going to have to battle all day long against some very tough (and tall!) competition.

The beginning of pool play saw the 14U CAPS lose 21-25, 19-25 to Forest City Blue (London).  The girls were well-focused and played smart ball, but no matter how hard they battled, they couldn't eek out a win.  Next match was against Stratford Stingers.  The girls played an amazing game - especially in the first set, working very well together as a team, but unfortunately still losing to the Stingers and their powerful lefty middle hitter, 2 sets to 1 (25-23, 13-25, 3-15).  The girls' third pool play match was against Oakville Thunder.  Up and down serving and focus resulted in Oakville winning the match by scores of 21-25 and 6-25.  The crossover found us up against Scarborough Titans.  The girls played great volleyball, with good focus and communication.  But even with that never-say-die performance, the win still went to the Titans, 21-25, 6-25.

 

Playing up a level is a challenge for any team, and the 14U CAPS are no exception.  A highlight of the day was the opportunity for the 14Us to watch their clubmates, the 15U CAPS, play in the same tournament.  It was unfortunate for the 15Us to be in Tier 2, but the benefit was all ours to be able to watch them play.  Congratulations to the 15Us on their gold medal performance!!

 

Much thanks to Coach Rebecca for patiently guiding the girls through this demanding day and to Jeff Dodge for helping out on the bench.  Now thoroughly warmed up for their big date, the girls head off to Scarborough next weekend for 14U Provincials.