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Kevin Barnett
Erik Sullivan
Other Information
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5 IN A ROW May 10tu
For the fifth year in a row Noliko-Maaseik has won the Belgian Title.
In a 5 game thriller, we defeated Ron Zwerver and Roeselare.
Never at any time in the week did we believe that we wouldn’t win the title. However, Roeselare came to play and gave us a great match. We lost the first game 12-15 due to many mistakes on our part. I didn’t feel that Roeselare played very well in the first game, but our play was poor. This gave Roeselare the idea that they had a chance to defeat us.
Game 2 was a serving exhibition by Noliko Maaseik. We didn’t allow Roeselare to get into their offense and consequently they were unable to score. The game went to us 15-6. Every game we play against Roeselare should be like this. We are a much better team then they are. Our lack of mental focus throughout the series gave Roeselare confidence they should not have had.
Game 3 once again was marred by poor play from Noliko-Maaseik. Once again Roeselare was able to take advantage. We lost by the identical score of 15-12. At this point there was a little concern on behalf of our team and the fans. We did not want to return to Roeselare for a fifth game in their gym. At this point the best trait of our team emerged again.
All year we have been able to win matches and compete even when we are not playing well. We have had many situations where we have been down and the other team appeared to have the momentum. Never has this team given up. This night would be no different.
Entering Game 4 Coach Anders told us, "Just get us to the fifth game. You know we never lose the fifth game." All year we were undefeated in fifth games. This is a result of the experience level of our team. I give credit to everyone on the squad for producing an attitude that we are "Never out of a match". But, I must give a lot of credit to Marko Klok for being a team leader in tough situations. I say salute MARKO!
Once again in Game 4 our serving returned and Roselare couldn’t handle it. We won easily 15-7. Once again we entered the fifth game in an important match. Previous experience against Belograd taught us that if we never gave up we would win.
Game five would be back and forth to the side change at 7-8. However, that would be the end of the road for Roeselare. After being tied at 11, we produced a series of plays that illustrated our team working together. First came a side out, then a block from Jan William Roex , then an ace by Vital Heynan to run the score to 14-11. Roeselare was able to side out, sending me back to serve for the Championship. As I went back to serve Wout came to me and said, "If you get the ball up I will get a kill". I served an easy ball and Roeselare set Zwerver. Marko came up with a great soft block and I dug the ball over hand high in the air. An easy set across the court to Wout, who hit a cross court kill to win it. That play is an example of how this team worked together the entire year to produce great results.
What can I say about the party afterwards? IT WAS AWESOME!!!!! There is nothing more that needs to be said.
SECOND PLACE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
BELGIAN CUP CHAMPIONS
BELGIAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
That is a GREAT year.
Kevin Barnett #14 USA
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