Fierce Volleyball Playoffs

We just played our playoff games -- two at that. First was against St. Leander. And like all the games we've played against them, this one was not any different. We went 3 sets, losing the first one. It was a scary moment until we got our bearings straightened out.

The boys were a bit tight at the start. Anxious was probably the better description. We should have won the first set, but the set back just made the boys more determined to win the match. And they delivered. Again, another sweet victory. For a bottom-dweller, I cannot understand why they always gave us a difficult time.

With this win, we had to play another match in the quarterfinals. Our next opponent was the winner between St. Bede and St. Felicitas. As expected, it was the latter, but not after their own scare. They had to go 3 sets as well before the final outcome was determined.

Our match against St. Felicitas was not any different from our previous encounters. We pretty much took control of the game from the start. We racked up a sizable lead in the first set, but got a little careless, and allowed them to come close. Really close. Same thing happened in the second set, but we made sure they didn't get too close. We steadily pulled away and kept the distance till the end. We won in straight sets, 2-0.

One highlight of the day was the fire alarm that went off at the gym the games were being played at. The match before us between St. Bede and St. Felicitas were about to begin their 3rd set when the alarm went off. There was no fire, but only smoke from an unattended fryer. But a fire truck arrived and the crew inspected the place. When all was cleared, no one could get back in because the alarm couldn't be turned off  and no one had the key to the fire alarm panel. By the time it was over, everything got delayed and the scheduled was pushed back by at least 40 minutes.

With our quarterfinal win, it set the stage for our semifinal match up against league-leading St. Clements on Friday, May 3rd. This semifinals match is key for both teams. A win or loss will dictate how the championship will be won on Sunday, May 5th. More of that later.

In the meantime, there is more work to be done to prepare for this all-important match against St. Clements.

Work hard. Play even harder. For the win, go Cougars !!!