March 3, 2007
- As someone who does not usually have the
opportunity to attend the out-of-town tournaments for my daughter's
17U team, this Volleyball Québec Omnium du
Québec 18U was definitely exciting for me.
Exciting, because of the high level of play, and because I, of course,
got lost in Montreal while attempting to get to Joliette. Both
Haley and Becky learned the fine art of navigating the streets of
Montreal, while trying to maintain some sense of decorum as we fell
further and further behind on our perfectly planned
schedule.
The 17U National Capitals girls played very
well and rose to various challenges, including playing against the
varied Quebec teams and the, interestingly enough, 'old school'
linoleum floor. Their first game was against the Libellules
de Joliette, the #1 seed. Our girls came out very strong and
surprised the opposition by keeping up with them, point-for-point.
The Libellules really had to step up their play in order to win
against the CAPS in two straight.
Second, we took on Hybride de
Sorel-Tracey. This time our girls dominated, with great
defence, well-placed tips and awesome 'quicks'. It was a win
for the CAPS in straight sets.
Game three was against Elite de Beauce
rouge - a very loud and, as a result, psychologically challenging
team. As always, the CAPS rose to the challenge and defeated
Beauce rouge in the first game. In the second game 'the rouge'
came back to win and, unfortunately, by a large enough margin to put
them in second place in our pool, and guarantee them the opportunity
to move on to the playoffs. Interestingly enough, there were no
3-game matches, just a two set, total point scenario.
Game four, of no placement consequence, was
against Diablos de Trois-Rivières. Again, the CAPS
dominated, winning the first game 25-17. The second game began
with a huge hit by Becky, and ended with a solo block on the Diablos'
first attempt at a quick.
The girls all demonstrated impressive
volleyball skills, concentration and determination on their way to
their 5th place tie at this 18U event. Most importantly, I did
not get lost on the way home! Good times!
Thanks to everyone.
