Updates from Darth-Setter 2/8/98

QUOTE FROM LAST UPDATE: " we will take them to the wire no matter who we put out on the court. Next time we'll go past the wire. Pretty bold words from a team that has trouble finishing games. True. But, we are getting better and we will continue to do so."

Below is a summary of the 2/7/98 tournament for those that missed it or have conveniently forgotten: We showed with 7 - Rick, Kurt and I trekked across the "Gator" to Naples in the "audio-enabled" BLUE GLIDER, stayed there and drove up early Saturday. Greg and Raik went up Friday night to St. Pete in the GREEN SMEAR and picked up Wade at the Tampa airport. Shane stayed in St. Pete at Lynn's (mom's?). We all got there before 9:15am which caused Rick to lose a bet to me that we wouldn't be able to field 6 players by 9:30 (he says he never made the bet - yeah, right).

First match against YNHVBC was the ugliest of the year. Everyone contributed. After losing two we had the "get-well-quick" match against Eckerd Red (11-0, 11-0). We then split with Byte-Me after winning the first game. We took two (with Raik setting) from Eckerd Black (looked like their JV team) and two more from Eckerd White. Byte-Me beat YNHVBC 2 straight and took first; we took third. In the one game semis vs. YNHVBC we started shaky, but found the path to salvation (passing and fewer errors). Throw in a little blocking and team defense and -WOW, a victory. On to the final, a one gamer vs. our favorite team: Byte-Me.

It's AMAZING what happens when you don't make two mistakes in a row (as a team), the other guys can't score points! Passing was outstanding and everyone's play rose a level. 15-11, See-ya, thanks for the money. The game took forever with a million side outs, but we out-passed and therefore out-side outed them. What a treat. Nice job! Make my job easier!

DORKSIDE Award (instead of Dork Award). We actually didn't have a strong candidate all throughout the tournament. The finals come along and (once again) it is a free, but out ball that identifies our winner. Out! - Out! - and then the evasive powers of Sloth Boy just don't kick in fast enough and the ball hits him on the back line. Everyone turns at SB, then at each other and the DORK signals come out. Wade's jump serve into the opposing bench a few plays later sealed his award.

TKA (Thunderous Kaboom Award, formerly know as HOTT - Hit of the Tournament). We had quite a few this time around. Kurt, Greg, Wade all delivered their share. In my eyes I have two candidates: Shane's down the line shot in the finals - straight down, but just out (No award for Shane). Raik's down the line shot - straight down and in (when will they learn to block his line?). I am open to other candidates, but since this my update, I award the TKA to Raik.

Major props to Wade's middle blocking this tournament. Also, Rick and Kurt are becoming reasonable at score keeping. They can't flip AND score yet, but that's coming. Good tournament (except for the first match), now we have something to build off of. I'm calling Atlanta this week and also some of the FLA tournament directors to see what options are available to us for Feb. 21. I'll update you as I find out. Enjoy the weekend off!

Zaz