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Burgies stay home to play up to 16U Challenge Cup in Orleans
(PHOTOS)
By Sue Jones, with photos by Sue Jones
February 7, 2009 — The 15U Burgies’ latest challenge was in Orleans at the OVA 16U Girls Challenge Cup Trillium Zone D... a nice short drive for all involved which provided a little more rest in the morning for the ladies (and their parents).
The girls’ first match was against the Durham Attack 15U. The girls seemed to be a little less than ready for the always strong Durham club and fell flat with a disappointing end result of 11-25 and 06-25. The Burgies hung their head a little, as they seemed to realized their effort reflected the end result. Coaches sat with them and reminded them of everything they have learned and practiced for the last couple of months and encouraged them to bring it for the next match.
Second match was against Mavericks Trailblazers 16U. The girls were nervous but had found a little extra motivation before the match – and it showed! The first set was the most exciting volleyball they have played this season. They rallied for every point, forcing Maverick errors and finishing their kills. They even found it in them to find a few blocks this set, something we haven’t seen alot from them to-date. The girls started ahead 2-0, then 4-0, then 6-2... it was exciting for all involved. The 15U Navy girls were there in full force with their parents, coaches and even a coach’s parent cheering them on to a near victory. The score was 26-26 when an unfortunate call turned the ball over to Mavericks and a score of 27-26. The game ended with the next point 28-26. The look on the girls’ faces was incredible! In the second set, they came out just as hard and did their best to keep up. The Mavs moved ahead point-by-point, but not without a lot of effort. Nothing was given away. Every point earned resulted in a huge grin from our girls. This set ended 16-25. I don't think anyone could have been more proud than they were following this match. It was a stellar performance!
Third match of the day was against Astros 16U. The girls started strong with the same determination of the previous match. They worked hard, passed well and were able to set up some good attacks. The Astros had to work for every point, but the Burgies fell short 18-25. The second set started off a little more slowly, the girls seemed ready for a break. They tried to stay in the game, but were not able to keep things together, with the set ending at 10-25.
The girls finished 4th in their pool, so they came up against the 1st place finisher from Pool B, Pembroke Knights 16U. These girls were well skilled – even their warmup was a little intimidating! The end score of this match does not reflect how hard the Knights had to work for each and every point against our girls, the Burgies were not prepared to give up without a fight. Jump serves could not deter them from passing to the setter and many kills on the Knights part fell short as they were passed from the back row! The girls were proud of their efforts here against a stellar opponent, finishing 14-25 and 16-25.
Game two in the playoffs had the CAPS up against the Ganaraska Wolves 16U. The girls, undeterred by the scoreboard, wanted to finish this day with a bang. They came out very hard against the Wolves right away. Scoring the first couple of points and feeling confident, once again we saw the girls passing well, setting up their attack and blocking. The serves were in and the girls pushed hard to finish 25-21! The second set was a little tougher to keep their confidence up as one of the Wolves servers seemed to get the better of them for a few points. They continued to rally, but fell to the Wolves 15-25. In the third and final set of the day, the girls started off a little shaky and changed sides quickly with the Wolves in the lead. The girls rallied back and were able to earn a few more points before going down to defeat 8-15.
A great effort from the girls, playing up in a 16U tournament, at times showing their inexperience but, for the most part, showing what the future holds for the Burgies!! A special thanks to all of the families who were able to come out and cheer the girls on, as well as to the coaches for a great day!
What counts in sports is not the victory, but the magnificence of the struggle. – Joe Paterno
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