Tales of Triumph in Durham with the 18U Girls(PHOTOS) By Jeremy Hannay
March 27-29, 2009 — The 18U girls played in the Beast of the East Invitational over the weekend at Durham College in Oshawa. This tournament hosts some of the top teams in Ontario in addition to a few top teams from Manitoba, in 2-set matches.
The first match of the night (after the 4 hour drive!) was against Durham Attack Black. Although the first set caught the girls off guard, the second set proved to be an omen for later in the tournament.
After a long day of driving and a hard-fought battle, the team headed back to the college residence for some food and much needed rest to prepare for the rest of the 3-day event. At the team meeting, Coaches J and Chris gave the girls the tournament objective: find or create a way to help a teammate be their best. Coach J took on the first of the tasks by serving the girls dinner. The girls had a long day and he did not want to disturb them, so he gently placed the pizza boxes on the floor for them. The girls’ beds were filled with mushrooms and crusts in the morning – boy they must have enjoyed those pizzas!
Saturday’s first match of the day was against Aurora Storm. This match was hard fought by both teams. The girls looked a little bit sleepy (maybe from the late night dinner delivery!) but held their own in two great sets. Each point looking a little bit better than the last – each set looking a little bit better than the one before.
The second match of the day was against Mississauga’s Ms. Pakmen. This team has always proven a challenge for the 18U squad – but on this day, the CAPS’ incredible defense and desire to make each contact better than the previous changed the outcome. The girls demonstrated that process produces product – a commitment to not focusing on the score but on themselves. It was a great match to watch!
Last match of the day was against Brandon Storm. The points went back and forth and the girls quickly showed the Manitoba team the high quality of volleyball played in Ontario. There were some real moments of brilliance and the girls’ confidence in themselves and each other continued to grow.
The day of volleyball was done, and the girls had the afternoon off to catch up with family and relax. The team headed out to Kelsey’s restaurant for dinner. It was an interesting night, filled with birthday celebrations and spinach dip eating contests. I am not sure there is ever a ‘winner’ in spinach dip eating contests, but this team never turns down a competition! Then it was back to the residence for a night of Twilight watching, skittle eating, and pillow abusing – all while trying to answer some of life’s greatest questions. Who is hotter – Jacob or Edward? I am not sure we will ever know the answer to that question.
The Sunday crossover put the 18U girls up against Durham Attack Black. This was the best volleyball the girls have played all year. The gym was packed with spectators – the teams both showed precision, character, and skill. It was a true display of all the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment the girls have shown this year in training. The teams received a standing ovation from the excited crowd at the end – the level of play by both teams was something not soon to be forgotten.
Great tournament girls!
Many thanks to the coaches for their time and effort (we miss you Michelle!); to the parents and families for coming out to support the team; to Paul Edwards for taking pictures throughout the weekend; and to the girls for an exciting display of volleyball!
