Thursday, May 18th, 2006 - On a rare, sunny, warm afternoon in Ottawa, the first wave of eager 16U CAPS jetted west to Calgary for the 16U Canadian West Open National Championships.  A minor moment of turbulence forewarned of wacky weather to come as electrical storms closed the airport, and the second wave was delayed four and a half hours, finally touching down in Calgary at 2 am local time.  We were housed in delightful dorm rooms at the Cascade residence of the University of Calgary, only a five minute walk from the Olympic Oval where most of the matches would be played.  We previewed the site, marvelling at the wide open spaces and imagining the buzz of 22 courts of simultaneous volleyball.  A meandering stroll through the campus to find food led us to a Wendy's, then back through the darkness to bed.

Friday, May 19th - The day dawned bright as Basil slipped out to play a quick round of golf.  Tony and Brian, the designated scorekeepers, checked in and nosed around the Oval.  Meanwhile, the girls were already scoping out the university bookstore for souvenir clothing while the moms went grocery shopping.  Designated practice time was set for 4 pm.  It was already warm inside the facility and an intense workout left the girls positively glistening.  So it was back for a quick shower (for some) and a change into uniforms then a return to the Oval for the official opening ceremonies.  It was an impressive parade of 267 teams with over 3,000 athletes.  The easternmost teams were introduced first so our girls spent the longest time sitting.  Popsicles were inhaled quickly as the introductions went on and on.  A few inspiring speeches, a "funny" video, and a somewhat musically-challenged band and it was time to retire to the residence.

Saturday, May 20th - The girls' first game was at 8:45 against Stingers, a Saskatchewan team from Kenosee Lake.  Our girls looked a bit shaky in the beginning but settled down to a 25-18, 25-14 victory.  Next up, Queen's Extreme from Red Deer, Alberta.  The CAPS came out flat and dropped the first set 16-25.  Coach Matt gave them a verbal boost and they responded admirably in the second, winning 25-11.  The third set decider was a CAPS victory, 15-11.

The Selkirk Royals from Manitoba were up next.  Initially the girls played the Royals very evenly, but a mid-game letdown on service reception proved too difficult to overcome and they dropped the set 16-25.  It was a similar story in the second game as the CAPS fell 17-25.

A sumptuous spaghetti dinner in 446 was followed by a team meeting, which was then followed by a sensible bedtime.

Sunday, May 21st - The CAPS' premier match was against the Victoria Titans at 7:30 am.  Our girls played tentatively but with an energy that belied the early start time.  Though the CAPS put up a good struggle, they lost both games, 22-25 and 22-25.  The second matchup saw the girls face a team from Fraser Valley, B.C., FVVC Power.  Playing with confidence the girls built up a commanding lead in the first set - then the magic disappeared and the opponents came back to win 26-24.  Deflated, the CAPS faltered in the second and fell 10-25.

In the final match of the morning, the Junior Wesmen from Winnipeg took on our girls.  Not flashy but structurally strong in all aspects of the game, the Wesmen won two straight, 25-20 and 25-18.  It was a disappointing day but there were many bright spots: some killer blocks from our middles, some booming shots from the outsides and some stellar defensive plays.  Something to build on for tomorrow.

What a wonderful diversion from volleyball we had when we were invited for supper to the stunning home of Sue Wolfenden's friends, Dave and Sian Fitzpatrick.  The girls (and parents) revelled in the opulence and comfort, playing pool and relaxing in front of the big-screen TV projector.  A delicious barbecue meal was served and the girls modelled their new cowboy hats, presents from Dave.  It's great to have friends in high places!

Monday, May 22nd - Now in Tier III after the latest shuffle, the girls still had a shot at a medal.  The CAPS were guaranteed only one match today so the girls had to keep winning in order to visit the podium.  Against Air Attack Fusion from Richmond, B.C., the CAPS exhibited a balanced, consistent offence.  It was a close match all the way with the CAPS prevailing 25-21 and 25-23.  The second match pitted the CAPS against a cocky squad from Calgary, the Junior Dinos varsity B team.  As the game progressed, our girls proved every bit the equal of the Dinettes.  Back and forth, back and forth ... 24-24 ... 26-26 ... 28-28 ... 30-30... until finally, heart-stoppingly, the CAPS celebrated with a win, 32-30!  Awesome!  The second game saw some lineup changes but the girls came out swinging and dashed those Dinos 25-18, securing a place in the gold medal match at high noon.  Poor Kalyn was stricken with stomach flu so she was unable to play in the final against NAVC Gold Pandas.  The CAPS matched NAVC point for point for the first third of the game and then something happened.  The girls couldn't pass, couldn't hit, couldn't regroup, and before you knew it, the game was lost 25-10.  The second set was slightly better but the fatigue was showing and, ultimately, the Pandas chewed us up 25-16.  It was a weary but proud team that lined up for their well-deserved silver medals.  Congratulations, girls, on your top-20 finish!

Tuesday, May 23rd - The team anxiously gathered outside the residence to await the mini-caravan to whisk them up in to the Rocky Mountains on a gloriously volleyball-free day.  It was an incredible day - the weather cleared and we were treated to incredible scenery and breathtaking views of the mountains.  It was an unforgettable end to an unforgettable trip.

Thanks so much to Karen Mostert who masterminded most of the travel and accommodation.  Always awesome were the peerless parade of parents; Tina, Cindy, Karen, Susan, Carol, Hugh, Tony, Chris, Brian and Basil (plus a few grandparents too).  And thanks to Leah Beadle, who, though she could not play, provided plenty of laughs and cheers.  As always, both Matt and Rebecca were wonderfully patient and supportive.  You're the best.

Gracias, amigos.  Congratulations on a terrific season, girls!