November 11, 2006 - Despite the
somber mood and weather on Saturday, the 18U CAPS team and coaches,
along with brothers, aunts, parents and grandparents, headed east to
compete in their second non-OVA tournament of the year, the
VQ Omnium de l'automne 18 ans et
moins in Vaudreuil, Quebec. The
girls were blessed with a wonderful cheering section that lent support
on this special Remembrance Day.
There was excitement in the air, and our
first match against Vipère Noirs des Laurentides ended in
straight wins: 25-19 and 25-19. We were slow to start in
both games but, once the girls gained confidence and momentum, their
strong fundamental skills allowed them to dominate.
Our second round robin match against
Griffons de L'Outouais also ended in two straight wins: 25-6 and
25-21. CAPS dominated the first game, however, Griffons gained
momentum and rallied in the second to test our skills and ability to
finish when it counted.
Our 14:00 game against Élite de Beauce
Rouge started at 15:20. Our confidence in the girl's ability
was realized - we all knew it would be a long day till finals would
get underway. CAPS setter Katie Luecke controlled the
plays, and her teammates responded with powerful 'quicks',
'steps' and 'shoots' for two straight wins: 25-12 and 25-20.
Our four new players to the 18U team, Kalyn Mostert
(middle), Veronique Beaudry (setter), Lauren Baerg
(left-side) and Katie Spack (libero), found their place on the
court and performed with strength and determination.
Our final round robin match of the day
against Gauloises de Lapocatière would determine if we
advanced to the semi-final round of the tournament. The CAPS
team took the first game easily, 25-9, however they would battle for a
second win, 25-23, and a spot in the semis.
The semi-final match began at 19:00
against Libellules de Joliette and
would prove to be our hardest-fought match of the tournament.
The girls battled point-for-point but, despite their best efforts,
lost both games 23-25 and 20-25 - a disappointing end to a day of
round robin domination.
So, with sheer determination, and despite
fatigue settling in after a very long day, the bronze medal match
began at 20:30 against Celtiques de Montreal. The first
game of the match proved the easier of the two - CAPS finished with
at 25-18 win. Laura Ledas' long deep ace to back court
cinched the win for this game. Game two, however, would prove to
be more of a challenge, with Celtiques refusing to be beaten easily.
Point-for-point back-and-forth action ensued and, as in the first
game, Jessica Zéroual came up with a long service ace to
finish the job at 27-25.
Congratulations ladies for taking home the
bronze medal, and thank you very much Coaches O'Doherty and Harris
for all the great work you are doing with the 18U
girls.
