Start of Boys Volleyball Season

The CYO boys (indoor) volleyball season officially began today with it's first three games, for both the 5th/6th and 7th/8th grade teams. Venue was Holy Spirit. Our boys played 2 games this evening, one against host Holy Spirit, and the second against All Saints.

We arrived just before 6pm, and the basketball practice in the gym was just winding down. By the time the gym was all set up with the nets and spectator chairs, it was past 6:15pm. Game time was 6:30, and we only had that much time to warm up. We just had to do with whatever we can with the situation. And I only had 8 of my 9 players. I was hoping that my missing player would arrive on time before I turned in my starting line up, but he didn't. He became a sub. But it was OK.


We beat Holy Spirit very convincingly during the Jamboree, but, not on this first match. The game was pretty close, and they actually led by as much as 5 points in the first set. I called time out to calm the boys' nerves and give them a little pep talk. After that, we rallied back and won the first set by more than 5 points. Having warmed up, the second set was not as bad, and we won that as well. Most of the points the opponent had were from our service errors.

The boys were stoked and energies were high. They were ready for the next game against All Saints. We didn't play them at the Jamboree so we do not have any idea how good (or bad) they were. They had one big, tall player, and a few other athletic-looking kids as well. Plus they had one female player, too. It didn't take us long though to find out what they were made of. The first set went by with little resistance. The opponent managed to score about 4-5 unanswered points from serves made by one player, but they weren't really a threat. The second set was even faster, where we scored 10 straight points. Next thing we knew, the set, and match, was over.

First two games -- both wins. Standing: 2-0.

We ended past 8pm, so the snacks provided were a little bit heavier than normal. The kids had pizza -- pepperoni and cheese, plus chocolate chip cookies and gatorade. There was more than enough for everyone, including the adults. However, since it's Friday (during Lent), it meant no meat. No pepperoni pizza. But we still had the cookies.

There were a number of 8th grade girls (some are from the 8th grade volleyball team) who came to watch the games, along with other friends and supporters of the team. They, too, enjoyed the games and shared in celebrating the victories of the team. I hope they could make it to the rest of the games.

Great start of the season. Hope we can sustain it. Go Cougars !!!