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Today we woke up early to play our first morning match of the tournament. We took a beautiful 20-minute walk up to Montemonaco where our playing site was for the 10:00am start. After getting some fresh fruit at a local market, we arrived at the court, which was one of the most amazing sites any of us had ever seen. It was set on the top of a mountain with a beautiful view of the rolling hills on one side. On the other side of the court were the remains of an old Italian castle. The stone wall all along the side of the court was about 30 feet high, and it was amazing to be able to play right next to something like that. After we got over the view at this awesome playing site, we got down to business.
Our opponent this morning was Galassia Ancona from Italy. The wind was rolling a little, so it made for some interesting plays throughout the match. However, we got right to work and won the first game by a good margin. We got behind early in the second game, but made a huge run, and came back to win. We kept working hard throughout the third game and finished strong, beating the Italians in three straight games. It was really fun to play against our Italian friends, the "Valentinas". After the victory, we got some really great pasta at one of the local restaurants. We then went back to the "House of Joy" (our monastery) to get some rest for the big match tonight against Third Degree! Go Hut!
By Heather Madison, University of Oregon
Last night we played until about 1:00am, so it was a little difficult to wake up this morning. Ignoring our tiredness, we took the beautiful 7-kilometer drive up to Montefortino to play Postar Belgrado from Serbia Montenegro (former Yugoslavia). This was the same place to which we traveled earlier in the week. That match had been cancelled due to a missing "Teraflex" court so when we got there it was a relief to see a real court being laid down.
The workers were running a little behind so we actually started our match an hour later than scheduled. While waiting we were visiting with the opposing team. I find it so interesting how many people actually know English. The language barrier is frustrating, but most people from other countries know at least some English, so it makes communication easier. Finally around 11:00am we started our 10:00am match. It was a little difficult to play because there was a little wind and the sun was blaring in our faces. But it actually provided a new challenge that I have never encountered before. Not only did we have to keep volleyball strategies in mind, but we also had to be aware of the elements.
In the first game we gained a huge lead, and won the game 25-15. During the second game we relaxed a little too much and struggled. I don’t think we were serving tough enough and Postar was able to dish their middles more than we would have liked. After the 14-25 loss in game two, it was 1-1. We came back again in the third game and really focused on taking advantage of the elements by using the float serve. This helped keep our game consistent and the girls from Belgrade were struggling with reception a little. We did a lot better job of not having any highs and lows but more of an even keel and we pulled off the third game. 2-1. Finally in game four, we were down 7-15 and came back to win 25-23 in front of our friends from VolleyHut who had showed up to cheer us on after beating their Italian opponents 3-0 in a game that had started on time.
It was an awesome match for both teams and I am so proud of our team. We had some players pull through in crunch time. Zuse (Zuzana) was on fire the whole match and probably hit over .500. Al Anderson was making smart shots the entire match to score some points for us. The middles put up great blocks and did a very good job of being patient, and Callie showed some guts in swinging hard during tense moments. Ashley also did a very good job in passing and defense considering the elements. We are playing extremely well at this time and I am confident that if we continue to play this way, we will be successful.
Day 9, Part 3, After the Derby
By the winning coach, Mitch Jacobs, Team Third Degree & Marshall University
First of all, let me share the tournament poster with you:
What a journey this has been. After the marathon day of volleyball today, Team Third Degree has advanced to the challenger’s bracket championship; just one win from the tournament championship match.
Our day began in Montefortino, a picturesque city built into the side of the mountains here in the Sibillini Region of the Marche. The buildings in the city must be at least 500 years old and the beauty the city possesses is remarkable. With our start time at 10:00am we knew it would be warm, however, the match was delayed due to the fact that the court was being laid down when we arrived. It was actually cool to watch how quickly the crew set the court and had us ready for action.
As for the match: well, we were told to have fun, but this is one of the best two teams and had just lost to the #1 team in a great match the night before. I guess they just didn’t realize the courage of Team Third Degree. We came out and just whooped up on the Serbian team in game one, lost big in game two, and then controlled the match to take a 3-1 win. I see you’ve already gotten the full scoop from our setter Heather, but I had to make a note here that our Girls were soooooo much shorter than the Serbs. It was a great victory!
We were then rushed around in cars to eat lunch. Our rides were delayed after lunch, so the team just had to indulge in the greatest gelato (ice cream) you’ve ever had; poor Third Degree. After a well deserved 3-hour nap, it was off to Pepe’s (our hotel owner) for some "special" white wine, antipasti and of course, another Canoli (for the coaches that is). We then made our way to Montemonaco for dinner and the big match with VolleyHut to see who advances to the Challenger Bracket Final.
Oh my. I thought Montefortino was beautiful! This has to be one of the most scenic towns in the world. Montemonaco sits 1000 meters above sea level and is still surrounded by huge peaks and valleys. With snow on some of the neighboring mountains, the view in all directions was breathtaking! As for the castle, I received a great piece of trivia from Burt. He pointed out that the castle must be extremely old because the stones making the walls were square and as time progressed the stones to build castles were rounded to deflect incoming attacks. I thought this was good info: thanks Burt!
Enough now, on to the match. It began with VollleyHut playing great, passing was in system and with their size we were overmatched! However, after falling behind two sets to none, Team Third Degree started to grind out the match with what has gotten us all the way through the bracket: serving tough, passing nails and keeping the ball in play. The match momentum swung quickly as we pushed to big leads in both games three and four for distancing victories. Now for the dreaded fifth game, or as our great announcer back in Thundering Herdville states, let’s go to overtime! VolleyHut regained some of their early play and went out to an 8-5 lead at the side-switch. With a timely side-out, Allison Shepp (whose serve had been struggling all night) gained us the next four points and a 10-8 lead! Way clutch Shepp! With our defense kickin’ butt since the start of game three, we then grinded out the game and the match with a great 15-13 win.
Big Kudos go out to Team VolleyHut. I haven’t gotten to spend much time with them on the court, but the time at the beach and in early training sessions have been extremely enjoyable.
Without a doubt, this has been a great tour. I know I am even luckier than the normal coach on tour with Tim, because I have been able to enjoy every moment with my wife Laura here with me. It would be fun even solo, but with Laura experiencing every wine throughout the region these two weeks have been irreplaceable!
Ciao for now, and wish us luck for tomorrow. We play the defending champions at 10:00am, and then, we hope to avenge our only loss of the tournament; a five gamer to the Czechs in our first match. They have already advanced to the Championship finale.
Ps. Happy Big 7 to B and C
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