Early in
the season GU14 Red determined a key team goal - to qualify for Tier 1. On
Saturday, Feb. 24 this goal was realized at the Bugarski Cup.
The team convened
at Mayfield Secondary School in Brampton with a sense of excitement and déjà vu
(it was the second straight tournament for GU14 Red at this location). Durham
Attack U14 Red has performed very well this season in Tier 2. However, the
girls were well aware that this tournament was their last chance to transition
to the lofty heights of Tier 1.
Pool Play
The tournament kicked off with a match against the National Capitals. GU14
Red wasn’t quite awake in the first game (which they conceded 21-25). The
team looked more like themselves in the second game that was neck-in-neck from
the start. Attack put the game away 25-23. With adrenalin now
flowing freely, U14 Red was in fine form to vanquish the Capitals in the
tie-breaker 15-7.
In the next match Attack Red faced the Forest City Blue. Attack Red
struggled with uncharacteristic net violations and serving errors. Our
team pulled ahead mid-way to clinch the first game 25-17. A great effort
from Forest City (combined with too many unforced errors on the part of Attack
Red) resulted in a second game loss of 14-23. The tie-breaker was a nail
biter. Attack played well under pressure when Forest City tied up the game
14 all and then 15 all. With a valiant effort, U14 Red pulled together to
fight for a 17-15 victory.
Play-Offs
The all important cross-over match pitted U14 Red against Interclub.
Attack Red was focused, determined and intense. Serving was strong with
Jenn, Micaela, Shelby, Becky and Erin all demonstrating excellent form in
achieving 4-6 consecutive points. Attack Red took the first game
comfortably, 25-14. The second game, Interclub turned up the heat holding
the score to a tie for much of the game. Ultimately, U14 Red took control
and put the game away 25-19.
The second play-off match determined whether the team would proceed to play for
Gold or fight for Bronze. Attack Red faced the Georgetown Impact.
The teams were closely matched, with both sides displaying strength and
determination. The first game was extremely close with U14 Red losing
their grasp at the end of the game 21-25. The second game started out
poorly with Attack down 8 points. The team played hard, managing to tie
the score 13 all. Attack finally went down fighting 22-25, but it
was an competitive match, with strong play and good sportsmanship on both sides.
In the Bronze medal match, Attack met the Waterloo Tigers for the first time.
The first game was very close, but Attack fell to the Tigers 20-25. In the
second game the score was also close, with Attack Red seeing victory slip away
21-25.
Ultimately, Attack Red finished in 4th place. This placement secures GU14 Red a
spot in Tier 1 for Provincials. The girls played really well,
demonstrating integrity, skill and determination. Congratulations to our tier 1
team!!
|
