By Marian Weidner, University of Wisconsin and Christine Skala, University of Maryland Baltimore County
After a match against Finland that can best be described as Chernobyl, our team had an overnight turnaround and came out strong against England. We lost the first game 26-28 but bounced back and won the next three. Virtue dominated with her serve and Lindsey Staltzer, my very own roomie, had some great serves too and took some big swings. It felt really good to come back after a tough loss and compete hard at a high level. Everyone worked hard to step up their game and it showed in the way that we played.
During our free time Virtue, Laura, Staltzer and I finally found the cathedral, which is probably the most visible sight in Brno, thanks to keen directions from our guides Gio and Reed. The cathedral was stunning, as was the crypt near the cathedral, which held the tombs of many friars, and other people of historical importance to the city of Brno. There was also a woman that experts suspect had been buried alive and was contorted in her coffin. Later on, several people went out for dinner while others stayed in the hotel to pack. It’s crazy to think that we only have one day in this wonderful city, but even harder to believe that my time with such an amazing group of people is almost over. I’ve had so much fun getting to know the players and staff on this trip and it has been a blast playing in the Spring Cup. Well, we still have one more match tomorrow against Austria and then off to Prague for one more night of fun!
Adding to Marian’s wonderful journal, I just want to say that I have had an amazing time here in the Czech Republic. This experience has definitely been one in a lifetime. I’ve learned so much since I have been here from our great coaching staff. They were all so focused on helping all of us improve and really get to know/understand the game of volleyball. And it has really showed in the way that we have come together and played like a team that has been together for longer than a week. The girls are also all so great. I have really loved getting to know each of them and look forward to maybe seeing them on the other side of the court in the fall. Well I can’t wait to kick Austria’s butt tomorrow and head to Prague for a night of fun and some REAL Czech food! (And our all day shopping extravaganza on Sunday!!)
- Virtue 6 points
- Noll 14 points
- Weidner 19 points
- Bosler 2 points
- Stalzer 11 points
- Heffner 10 points
- Verwey 3 points
- VanMeter 16 points |
