November 18, 2006 - Three vans
headed west for our first Tier 1 18U OVA tournament of the season,
the OVA 18U Girls McGregor Cup/Tier 1, which took place at the
University of Toronto/Scarborough Campus. Girls from all the
varied teams welcomed each other with hugs and salutations, proving
the great sportsmanship that is felt amongst fellow volleyball
competitors.
National Capitals 18U were pooled with 2
other teams: Scarborough Vipers and DRVC, to battle it out during
round robin play. The first match of the day pitted the CAPS
against Scarborough Vipers for a sound 2-0 win, by scores of
25-18 and 25-20. The CAPS' strong passing skills allowed the
girls to set up some superb hits and tips for a great start to the
day.
Our second round robin match against
DRVC also ended in two straight wins: 25-19 and 25-22. The
CAPS dominated the first game, however DRVC are strong competitors and
battled hard in an attempt to send the match to a third set,
unsuccessfully.
All teams advanced to the medal rounds in
this tournament and the CAPS would have to wait 3 hours for our next
match.
Aurora Storm would be the match that
would dictate who we would meet in the semi-finals. The girls
were determined and skilled and dominated the first game 25-13.
The second game would prove to be much tougher, with the Storm gaining
an early lead. The CAPS maintained their focus and ended the
game 25-23.
The semi-final round against Peel
Selects 89 would be our toughest match of the day. The girls
could not gain their momentum and the first set would be lost 19-25.
Not a team to give up easily, the CAPS fought hard in the second match
and won 25-19 to send the match into a deciding third set. All
were hopeful we could continue this momentum, however unforced errors
would cost us the match at 12-15 and send us on to battle for
bronze.
DRVC, Vipers and CAPS started the day in
the same pool and would end the day all making the finals. Our
battle for third would pair us with DRVC once again at the end
of the day. It was an exciting match to watch, with the CAPS
taking an early lead and winning 25-19. The second game would be
more difficult as DRVC matched point-for-point and beat the CAPS
by the same score, 19-25. Sound coaching and encouragement from
Cathy O'Doherty would lead the girls to a dramatic win in the third
game, 17-15, for the bronze medal.
Thank you to our billeting families, Sandy
and Richard (Pickering) and Paul and Jan (Brooklyn). Our warmest
thanks were relayed and lovely thank you baskets full of homemade
specialties were graciously provided by the Séguin
family.
