A Bronze by any other name…….
15U Challenge Cup – Dec 17,2011
This Durham Attack squad certainly knows how to keep its audience members on the edge of their seats. As has become the norm in their style of play thus far this season, the 15U boys, while having no trouble starting strong and taking their pool games by decisive scores, continue with their struggle for consistent play.
Case in point: On this day, while the boys came out strong against the Barrie Elite squad, taking the two sets 25-15 & 25-14; in the second game they struggled with their serves, which gave Forest Green the momentum to challenge. But while Forest Green pushed DA to the last point, our boys ultimately prevailed 26-24. The 2nd set was another close match, as Durham struggled throughout before achieving a 25-23 win.
After a break, and some choice words from their coaches, the 3rd pool match saw a controlled focus return to the team’s play and it showed in each and every player. Against KW Predators, the 1st set was a back and forth affair, with DA having the edge in controlling the rally’s, taking the set 25-20. Maintaining this momentum into the 2nd set, it appeared as though the boys were actually having an easier, more relaxed time of it and they took the set 25-16.
In the quarter final against the Markham Stingers, Durham Attack continued making it tough for themselves with their erratic play, but once again held it together enough in the 1st set to pull out the win, with a score of 25-22. The 2nd set saw still more challenges for the defence and DA went down in a 19-25 loss. Once again displaying the innate ability “to reach down and pull up their socks”, the boys recovered in the tiebreaker and won it 15-7.
In the semi-final round vs the Niagara Rapids, their failure to capitalize on opportunities continued to hamper Durham’s play. While everyone fought hard for every point, the inability to find that elusive rhythm gave Niagara the victory in straight sets, 25-27 & 23-25. This loss put the boys into the Bronze medal game, once again facing the KW Predators Purple.
Returning to the court with renewed focus and steadfast determination, the team ended the day as they began, coming out strong, gaining the lead and controlling the play from start to finish, taking home the Bronze with wins of 25-17 & 25-19; thereby proving to themselves (and others) they indeed have a foundation of skills and depth of talent on which to build as the season progresses.
