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USA Jr A2 Women's Volleyball Team
Journal Entry #5, July 21, 2009
By Maile Scarpino
Match #1 of Day #2 of Pool Play, Pula, Croatia: We were expecting Pula to be like the Italian team we beat earlier. The first ten points they fought hard but after endless blocks and aggressive hits they pulled back clearing the way for another victory for our A2 team!
Match #2, Nova KBM Maribor, Slovenia: Our greatest worry of the day, Nova KBM showed up to court three ready to play. Too bad we were ready too! We focused in on #11 and continued to serve her in an attempt to force her out of the plays. Playing against bigger girls this time, our block was not as dominant as in previous games. After a couple of hard hits that soared over the block our defenders zoned in. Kelly Wood picked one ball up on the ten-foot-line. Thanks to our responsive defense Slovenia resorted to shots, rolling and tipping the ball to the middle of the court. Last point of the match Kristen set the ball back to Ashley Banister; Banister slammed the ball down with no response or touch from the Slovenian defense.
Match #3, CSU Targu Mures, Romania: We thought this match was in the bag but after five points in, our team realized it was going to be a battle. Number 5 on the opposing team had a mean arm and continued to fight back when we served and blocked her. I was most proud of our team during this game; everyone came together and continued to do their job on the court. Our energy was the greatest ever and I truly believe it was our continual cheering that pushed us through the game. Endless times we were three to four points ahead but a missed serve or out of reach ball would bring us back to a tied score. Frustration and sweat was pouring over the court but our team stuck together and as a result we were victorious. Even the girls on the sidelines were endlessly working to improve the 'fung-shway'; after losing a point everyone would shuffle up and stand by someone else in hopes that the new order would bring on a run of points! |
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