August 16, 2006 - For the two weeks leading up to their premier match on Thursday, August 10th, the Region 6 girls volleyball team had been practicing hard and getting to know each other at Algonquin College in preparation  for the 2006 Ontario Summer Games in Ottawa.  The team of ten was represented by seven National Capitals, two Ottawa Mavericks, Melissa from Pegasus in Kingston and four alternates from the CAPS.  New CAPS coach Matt Hoey ran the first week of practices as head coach Matt Harris was occupied with the Provincial boys program at NTCCs in Winnipeg.

On Wednesday, August 9th the opening ceremonies at Ottawa's Lynx Stadium presented an athletes parade that will not soon be forgotten.  Over 3,500 participants marched into the stadium, showcasing an array of team colours and banners and bringing enthusiastic cheers from the many spectators.  On a warm, cloudless evening the crowd was welcomed by both local and provincial luminaries ... you could feel the excitement and anticipation growing.  As the 2006 Ontario Summer Games were officially proclaimed "Open" by Premier ("Uncle") Dalton McGuinty, there was a sudden snowstorm of foam seat cushions thrown exuberantly into the air by the kids.  What a heart-warming and memorable moment!

The Region 6 team's first match was on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. versus Region 3B.  The nerves were jangling but the new-found cohesiveness and pure talent saw the girls secure a victory with a 15-13 finish in the third game over a tough, determined squad from the Ontario southwest.  The next contest against the Region 2 squad from northeastern Ontario challenged our girls to work on mixing up their offense a bit which worked like a charm as the ladies went on to a straight sets victory.  There was excellent blocking up front from Kalyn and Melissa and some powerful hits from Stephanie, Annie, Becky, Haley, Emily and Gabby.  Sofia and Gina were consistent and cool as setters.  Their third match, for first place in their pool, was against Region 3A.  It wasn't a brilliant showing, but the girls came alive in the third game and pulled off another victory.

The 1:30 pm match on Friday against Region 1 played out as anticipated (1st vs, 4th) and the "Sixers" advanced to the semi-finals with a straight set win.  At 7:30 pm, the opponent was Region 4 .  Unfortunately, the chemistry was missing early in this match and our girls looked uncomfortably disorganized against the other team.  Though neither of the two games was a blowout, it was, in the end, a disappointing result.  No gold medal this time around.

On Saturday, the girls brought a new attitude to their bronze medal match against the Region 5A team.  What a delight to see them smashing and digging with confidence!  And what a difference a little confidence makes.  The first game was a lop-sided 25-14 victory, with the second being a nail-biting, seesaw battle finally culminating in a 30-28 win!  Bronze medal for the home team!  Way to go girls!  What a complete team effort!  And a hearty congratulations as well to the Region 6 boys who brought home the gold medal in an impressive and exciting final against Region 4.  Great job boys!

Our thanks to the amazingly dedicated coaching efforts of the two Matts, Harris and Hoey.  Thanks to the Mavericks' Kerry McLean who helped out during practices at Algonquin College.  Kudos to our 4 alternates - Lauren, Rebecca, Laura and Brittany - who practiced non-stop with the girls in the weeks beforehand and then came out to cheer our team during the Games.  And a special thank you to Pegasus' Jen Wan who came and stayed from Kingston to cheer, encourage and chaperone our team.  Our gratitude for your endearing support and for the rapport you created within the team. (No disrespect meant to the fellas, but it was nice to have that feminine touch!)

We would also like to extend our thanks to Lionel Woods and his Gee-Gees team helpers, to the referees, to the volunteers who assisted with scoring, lining and ball retrieving, to Nathalie, the indoor volleyball volunteers coordinator, to the parents and spectators, and to the organizing committee of the Ontario Summer Games - especially our own CAPS President and OSG General Manager Bob O'Doherty - for making this such a memorable event.  Though we can brag only about the running of the indoor volleyball event, if every other venue ran half as smoothly we should all be very proud as Ottawans.