A Tale of Two Finals

 

Day 1: Wednesday's victory of 2-0 (25-11 and 25-9) was a decisive win for the Strathcona's Regimental Volleyball Team in what everyone thought was the season final.  Although ASU could only muster four players, Cpl Jeff Thompson tried to reduce their numbers to three as he smashed a power hit into one player's face. Had he put in a full swing, she would be signing for a new head this afternoon.  Not to be outdone, Cpl Mike Baker had to be called off a tantalizing set to prevent further carnage as the ASU front row couldn't mount an effective block on our power hitters.  Easily picking up whatever small offence the ASU could muster, Tpr Tiahnybok dug everything out of the back court, spending more time on the floor than the base line. The game clincher certainly came from the incredible support from the Regiment.  The intimidation factor of over one hundred Strathcona's supporting our side defeated the ASU's morale before they even took to the court. 

 

Due to a technicality in the playoff sequence where each team had to lose two games to be beat, the ASU insisted on facing off against the far superior Stratcona team once again.  Morbid curiosity made me ask one player what they were thinking.  "You never know," he said non-chalantly, "we might win."

 

Day 2: Thursday's game concluded the finals with a final score of 2-0 Strathcona's (25-15 and 25-11).  In this, the "real" final, the ASU managed to produce a full team of six players.  This didn't stop Cpl Mike Baker from trying to whittle it down to five with a massive power hit.  Luckily, as the ball approached her face at mach 7, she was quick enough to get her hands up.  Rather than the wet smack of ball on face that we heard yesterday, the dull thud of ball-on-hand-on-face resonated through the gym.  Not to be dissuaded, the ASU picked her up, checked her pulse and attempted to mount an offence in the tough slog towards their demise. Rookie Lt Blake Tapp, coming in at 6-foot-gargantuan, denied whatever threat the ASU could muster and completely owned the net with his massive blocks and power tips.  Strong passing from the back row made it easy for Capt Liz England to set up plays for the power hitters to smash past the limited ASU defence.  Despite the score, the ASU never gave up.  They should be given great credit for persisting through the massacre and maintaining high morale throughout the game.

 

Many thanks to those who showed up to cheer on the team, let's see if we can get the same support for the Regimental Soccer Team as they go into semi finals on the 21st of March.