After our successful Friday we knew that Trinity will come out with some adaptations. This match would become about adjustments and learning to score. Or Grinding it out.
We have talked all year that our team is about ball control and winning the long rallies. We have become very proud on the lack of unforced errors we commit. WE really discuss knowing the right time to go after it. (Green light) the time to take a chance (yellow light) and the time when all you can do is protect the ball and try to disadvantage the opponent. This match would become about unforced errors.
Trinity really focussed on Meaghan in the middle and wanted to limit her scoring. They decided to take more risks on serving with the hope of our passing breaking down. The first set started off with Trinity Jumping out to a fast lead. Trinity went up 8-5 with us already having 3 unforced errors. A quick little team meeting in the middle with a reminder about protecting the ball fixed the problem quickly.
As a coaching group with met with the outsides and showed them shots that they hit hands on Trinity was able to dig. We explained if we could add 5km more to the shot they wouldn't have time to chase the balls down. Jaryn Reuther really discovered this and it would work wonders for her. We battled back and found ourselves up 24-23. Trinity refused to quick, a huge stuff block for them and a confusion between Kellie and Meaghan had Trinity up 25-24. A strong defensive play and a huge kill by their all star middle gave Trinity the first set.
With yesterday going so well for us and everyone scoring at a high percentage, when Trinity came out with their defensive adjustments we seemed to panic. We forgot about what worked for us. The coaches had a good chance to remind them of what our game plan was. We knew we could win some long rallies, so lets not be scared to protect the ball. The second set was extremely exciting for our fans. We found ourselves tied at 13. Then the teams traded points and went after each other. We also discussed during video that most of our serves we falling around the 5 meter mark of the court. We need to get them moving more. As the game was tied 20-20 Larissa went back and made a great short serve for an ace. A couple points later Tori put one in the back corner for another Ace. With Meaghan closing out the set for a 25-23 win.
At that moment we discovered how to win a close set. We can manufacture points and if we have to we can win matches on tactical serving. It looked like a huge weight was lifted off the team. The next 2 sets wouldn’t be any easier. As we won 25-23 again and 25-21 in the fourth. After the match we looked at the box score. Trinity had earned more points than we did, but we were more efficient and won the plus minus battle.
We will not be the team that overpowers opposition, but we will be the team that waits for it opportunity to pounce. When the light turns green we can bounce the ball. When the light turns yellow we can score off hands or put the other team in trouble. Then we know we can win the long rally. Grinding the opposition down is not the easiest way to play volleyball. It takes an everyday commitment to ball control and fitness. But the Bobcats have shown they are willing to do that, at least for thar weekend. Up next is the Dino’s in Calgary the question remains can we remember what got us to the victory last week?
http://bit.ly/vkqef4 box score of match
No comments:
Post a Comment