Girls 14U Arif Win GOLD at 15U Provincial Cup!

In the darkness of early morning on November 28^th the team made their way to Barrie for our first OVA tournament, the 15U Provincial Cup.

Pool play started with the girls squaring off against the Orillia Suns.  Both defence and offence were sluggish at first allowing our opponents to gain more points than expected. The girls were able to improve their focus and maintain their lead throughout the game, to take the win 25-20. The early start to the day appeared to have taken a toll on our second squad as well, as the girls were point for point in set 2 until 9-9. During a timeout called by the Suns, our coaches gave the girls a pep talk and helped them gain focus. The game resumed with a stronger Attack team at the helm, a string of aces and improved defence, resulted in a solid 25-12 win for Attack. The girls were the first to acknowledge their performance had been less than stellar, knowing they are capable of a much higher calibre of play. Taking it all in stride, Coach Arif called the win a ‘confidence builder’.

In Game 2 against Barrie Elites Blue, Attack dominated with superb serves quickly amassing a 13-1 lead. Un-defendable serves and strategic hard hitting set the pace and the girls came out of the first set with flying colours, 25-4!  The second squad took over in the next set continuing spectacular serving to earn a 10-1 lead. The Elites called a timeout and managed to squeeze out a few points however Attack stayed in command and after treating the fans to some great rallies, a well placed spike finished the game, 25-13. The girls felt much better about their performance against the Elites and finished first in pool play, earning a bye into the quarterfinals.

After a little nourishment, and even some homework, the girls headed out into the chilly, Barrie drizzle in anticipation of another of Coach Arif’s team activities. They were not disappointed – a hilarious game of blind man’s bluff ensued and they all howled as their blindfolded team mates found more puddles than pylons!

Crossing-over…

The team faced Vista, from Midland and were motivated by the competition to step up their game. Attack led 9-5 however Vista’s ability to regroup after a timeout, combined with a rotation error against Attack, and the pendulum swung 14-15 in Vista’s favour. The coaches helped the girls regroup and they returned with aces, beautiful sets and spikes earning a 25-19 win. As the squads alternated games, a determined second group of players took the court to go head-to-head with Vista. They held the lead before pulling away with some exceptional serves to widen the gap, 22-12 for Attack. Vista was not however finished and caught Attack resting on their feet; Vista mounted a comeback. Not about to take any chances Coach Arif pulled the girls together at 24-19 to make sure they clinch it and that they did, with a sizzling spike to finish the game, 25-19.

The semi-finals saw the girls pitted against the only other 14U team in the tourney, Storm Ice and the match would prove to be the toughest and most exciting match of the day.  The early part of the first set saw the teams battling for position. Attack continued to hustle and apply pressure, digging deep and playing together well and was able to stay a few points ahead of the opposition.  Attack did what they needed to and Ice kept swinging before retreating 25-22.  Despite a good start in the second set, Ice showed they were not about to crack; they battled for every point, turning the tables and managing to be the ones in the lead this time. Out of rotation calls – some upheld, others reversed – were prevalent this afternoon. The girls fought back but to no avail as Ice was unrelenting and took the win 25-21, determined to make this match a nail biter and take us to a tie-breaker.

Not about to deny the team a shot at the gold medal round, the girls took the court with confidence, determined to prove Attack has what it takes! They took charge with a 5-1 lead and as they changed ends, things looked positive. Ice however still had some fight in them and after a few intense plays, and a timely re-grouping, Attack took ownership winning 15-10!  The DA 14U Arif team was going for the gold! 

The Finals…

Not to be outdone by their younger clubmates, 15U Storm Blast, the number one seed at the tourney, lay in wait. Attack started off with a smokin’ ace however Blast was quick to return one of their own. Fantastic rallies and incredible saves followed however Blast took the lead. Attack fought for every point, and capitalized on a couple of Blast errors, to tie things up 8-8. You could see how much the girls wanted this, as a couple of nervous, overanxious plays worked against them, allowing Blast to take the lead again. But our girls were determined; giving up was not a consideration. They rallied with great defensive play and a motivating ace that finally turned the game in their favour, 13-12. Blast fought back but Attack stayed strong, pulling ahead before serving up the game winning ace at 25-19.

With the momentum from game one on our side, a fresh squadron of Attack players took the court against Storm Blast. Blast struggled early in the set and Attack was determined to keep their lead. The girls worked together focused, staying strong offensively and defensively. They treated the parents to amazing rallies, digging deep, setting with skill, executing strategic tips and hammering kills.  Attacks serves were exceptional!  At 24-12 Blast called a time out but it wasn’t meant to be; this was going to be Attack’s day and both teams knew it. The DA 14U Arif team took the game with a resounding 25-15 win earning a GOLD medal at their first 15U OVA tournament! Congratulations- what an accomplishment!

!5U Provincial Cup Champions

From the start of the season there seemed to be something special about this team and what they were destined to achieve. The dedication of the coaches to develop the girls and the girls’ own character and commitment to being the best they can be, individually and as a team, is an unparalleled combination. We look forward to celebrating with you as you continue to reach new heights!