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USA Jr A2 Women's Volleyball Team
Journal Entry #7, July 23, 2009
By ASHLEY BANNISTER
Today was the last day of play in Pula. Our day started out with one match at 11:30am against the Southern California High Performance Red Team. We were able to come out on top and sweep them in three. They were a great little team with pretty good defense, but our strong and powerful hitters on the pins were no match for them. Our outside hitters were able to defeat the block and place their hits where the defense was unable to make a decent play. We were glad to come out on top since we lost in a nail-biter against the Romanians the previous day to advance on. Our record overall turned out to be seven wins and only one loss finishing 5th in Brijuni Division.
After the match we headed back to the hotel to have a late lunch. We all chilled until the finals at 5:00pm. The BIP/USA Team played against the Slovenians and swept them in three. It was a great match and the second set was the most exciting of them all. The Slovenians were no match for the BIP's strong blockers on both pins. At the end of the match there was a closing and award ceremony.
The big highlight at the conclusion of the finals was the exchange of jerseys and t-shirts amongst all the different teams. Everyone was extremely excited to hang out and mingle.
As I reflect on my experience over the last ten days, I've learned a lot and made many new friends from all over. We got to experience different cultures and learn a few new words in German and French. It was an eye opening experience that was definitely worthwhile. As I conclude this journal I can hear the music blaring in the background at the pool party for the athletes.
Tomorrow we are heading for Venice to check out the sights but no one is really looking forward to the bus ride.
Ciao, Ashley |
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