Day One - - Pool Play
Attack took to the courts on day one with confidence and determination and
finished the day with a 6-0 record easily winning matches against Toppers En
Fuego (Prince Albert), WC 16's (Brandon) and BCO 16U's (Mission)
Day Two - - Power Pool Play
The first match of the day was against the Airwalkers 16U's from Abbotsford who
were no match for the Attack team who easily defeated them 25-10 and 25-15. Next
up was a match against Seaside Surf from Surrey. Little did we realize at the
time that this match and this team would prove to be our nemesis all weekend
long, looking back maybe we should have payed more attention to this unknown
team. Attack lost the first set 25 -21 but came out swinging in set two to win
the set 25-16. In set 3 Attack, for reasons unknown, quickly fell behind after
numerous unforced errors, unable to gain any kind of momentum losing the third
set and the match 15-5. The final match for the day would be for the second
place seeding in our pool and a tier one placement for playoffs. Attack faced
off against the CVCRADZ from Regina quickly defeating them 25 -15 and 25-10
securing a tier one playoff spot.
Day Three - - Playoffs - Quarter Finals
As a result of the team's dropped match during power pool play the previous day,
they found themselves now having to face the number one team of the tournament -
the Junior Bison's Black from Manitoba. This is the team that defeated the
Attack Black the previous year in the semi finals, the only team to have taken a
match from them throughout the entire previous year, the team that Attack had
their sights set on beating this time to avenge their loss from last year. The
plan, however, had been to meet them in the finals not in the quarter finals. So
Attack took the court early Monday morning as did the Bisons and both teams had
a look of determination and focus about them that made everyone stand up and
take notice. There was a mutual respect radiating from both teams for one
another that had not been there in previous matches as well as a sadness because
both of these incredibly talented teams knew that this match up really should
not have been happening now and upon completion would result in one of the two's
quest for Gold ending here
... prematurely.
Set one saw
Attack take a early lead executing play after play to perfection dominating at
the net both offensively and defensively to win the first set rather easily
25-19. The Bison's obviously not used to being played like this came back onto
the court in set two with more determination and trepidation than I think they
have been used to playing with. Set two was more of a battle ground with Attack
falling behind numerous times but then managing to fight through some pretty
intense plays to ultimately win set two 27-25 defeating last year's National
Champions in 2 straight sets. WOW what an accomplishment
... Mission
accomplished.
Semi Finals
Dιjΰ vu
. Attack once again would face the BCO 16's (Mission) who were
pretty elated after having just defeated another Ontario Team, Defensa from
Burlington, in 2 straight sets knocking them out of the medal round and into a
5th place finish. Both teams took the court but BCO was no match for the Attack
who easily defeated them for the second time this weekend 25-17 and 25-12. Again
Mission accomplished
. Off the to GOLD MEDAL match
GOLD MEDAL
MATCH
The gold medal match would have the Attack once again facing the Seaside Surf
from Surrey, the team that defeated them in 3 sets the previous day.
Unfortunately on this day Seaside's relentless aggressive attack from all over
the court and their impeccable defense was too much for the Attack team to
handle when combined with numerous unforced errors from Attack and DA ended up
losing to the Surf in two straight sets 25-23 and 25-20.
All in all though the Western Nationals was a pretty successful weekend when you
look at what the team accomplishment. The team went hunt'in and brought down the
Bison, they turned bronze into silver, they finished an amazing 2nd out of 112
teams and they finished as the highest ranked ONTARIO team in the Western
Nationals. The girls themselves played amazing and I know I speak for all the
parents when I say that we are very proud of each and every one of girls.
Congratulations to Taylor and Candice for being selected the to the All Star
Team, well deserved and well done ladies !! Both of you may be smaller and
shorter than most powers but dynamite comes in small packages. Both of you have
enormous hops and can "pound" a ball anywhere on the court. Emily, Lily and
Evhan what other teams has the caliber of setting that we do?
that is right
none. Not only can each of you set anything but your equally dangerous because
you can all attack from anywhere. Jazmine and Alanna what can I say about the
two of you? I have watched you both become WALLS right in front of my eyes with
your incredible blocking that is impermeable to most and you both have the most
incredible "steps". Jodie Mitchell
.."GATOR" and "dimes" darling, gator and
dimes
. I would be amiss at this time if I did not give special
recognition to both Erin and Rachel for their contribution to this win and to
this team. Both of these players have been absolutely outstanding in the vital
roles that they have played on this team. Many times throughout the season one
or both of these athletes have been called into action at very short notice in
very tense situations to go into a game to pass, to block, to serve or to close
out some pretty tense and tight matches and each and every single time they have
delivered. During the nationals it was no different both of these girls did
their job superbly. I sometimes think this is the hardest job of all on any team
and both of these athletes did it consistently with confidence and class thank
you ladies.
Of course none of this would have been possible without the parents and I must
say that we have the best parents (not to mention the smartest and best looking
LOL) that I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with, you truly are a
wonderful group of people that I am proud to say I consider my friends. Thank
you for all your sacrifices, your cheering, your chauffeuring, your lunches and
your constant support for the girls during all the ups and downs they went
through this year.
Special thanks to Team Manager Lisa and Treasurer Christine who kept us
organized and informed throughout the year - great job ladies! Thanks to John,
Kevin, Scott, Greg , Doug and Carol for their assistance with lines. Thanks to
Cynthia and Julie for the help with scorekeeping and thanks to Steve, Ross and
Deirdre for the countless hours of taping and picture taking
what
great memories you have provided for our daughters.
Last but not least thank you to the coaches for the countless number of hours
you have put into coaching our girls while sacrificing time away from your own
families
I would especially like to express thanks on behalf of the
parents and the players for the scouting and game planning done this past
weekend at Nationals because we all believe that that was the one ingredient
needed that did ultimately assist the girls to reach their maximum potential
this weekend. Stew we especially appreciate the sacrifice of your reputation
because we know that you are now probably considered a "stalker" by some for
being everywhere, all the time with a camera
. Maybe next year we need to
change your name to Allen Funt :-)
It has been a pleasure writing these articles for such a talented group of young
athletes. They made this job easy and exciting to write about. Have a safe
summer and see you all on the beach
Signing off for 2009
Sharon
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