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15U-Navy goes on a run at Ontario Championships in Waterloo
(PHOTOS)
By John Ruttle, with photos by Paul Edwards
April 11-13, 2009 — The biggest weekend yet of the CAPS 15U-Navy’s season, their trip to the OVA 15U Girls Ontario Championships, started with a new commitment to play better than ever – and a run. Matt began each morning of the three-day provincial finals with a brisk dawn run, to get the girls hyped for the day’s play. The run took them from the Cambridge Hotel to the local Boston Pizza outlet. Just to make sure the girls didn’t cut any corners, Matt asked them to return to tell him the operating hours of the restaurant. Matt told the girls he knew the hours, so... no cheating. (Actually, he didn’t. But they completed the run.)
The first match of the tournament shaped up to be their toughest this season. Against Scarborough Titans Nemesis, ranked 4th in the province, Navy began with a valiant defence against a strong attack (19-25). Then, Navy stole a set with some crafty attacks and great defence (29-27). The extra-point win showed the CAPS girls have learned to hang on and can come through in the clutch. Still, Navy fell short in the tie-breaker (5-15).
Navy’s second match of the opening day saw them drop two sets against Eastern Ontario rivals Phénix (17-25, 15-25).
Before the day was done, Navy regrouped for a fine end to the afternoon’s play, defeating Oakville’s Thunder White in straight sets (25-20, 25-19). That victory at day’s end also improved Navy’s overall seeding. Matt still wanted to see more commitment and co-ordinated attack, yet admitted he was happy, grading the girls’ day a C+. “Coaches are never completely happy,” he said. As ever, Matt’s pressing for more. Then the girls headed out for a team dinner, and a birthday celebration for Julia.
Day 2 of Provincials began with a promise of stronger things to come. Navy played gamely in the opening match to defeat a squad against whom the team had never won – Interclub. In this match, Navy appeared to solve a challenge they had faced all season long: winning the opening set, then dropping the two that followed. On this occasion, Navy fell behind in the tie-break only to come storming back to win the match (25-17, 20-25, 17-15)!
The aggressive attack continued for the next match, with Navy defeating BVC in relatively swift fashion (25-21, 25-18).
Congratulations to Kimberly Hsiung who received the 15U-Navy’s OVA Award of Excellence for outstanding commitment and dedication. She received the medal at a ceremony in the middle of the second day.
To finish Day 2 action, Navy stepped up to play its most aggressive game yet, defeating Georgian Cubs Red (25-16, 25-16). The undefeated day meant Navy should receive a favourable first match on Playoff Day (and a chance to sleep in... a little... before the morning run).
Playoff Day turned out to be the toughest lesson yet for the girls. Brenda and Vicki took control of the first set against Forest City Blue with a solid attack (25-16). FC’s defence grew stronger, turning back our hits and scrambling for the tips. The tide soon turned in the middle of the second set, and FC rebounded for a dramatic 25-27 win. In the tie-breaker, Navy struggled to mount a comeback, and fell 8-15 to end any further playoff hopes, and their 15U OVA season.
The early exit ended what was otherwise a very successful Ontario Championships tournament for Navy. The girls had fun, learned a lot about coming from behind, and facing tough competition. All signs point to an even better 16U Provincials back in Waterloo, next weekend.
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