East Gold for DA 16U Girls
2010 East Nationals Gold medalists
The Gold Medal at the 2010 East Nationals was the reward for all the hard practices and training for the Durham Attack Girls 16U Black Team.
Day one of the East Nationals held in Sherbrooke, Quebec, the team was well rested and ready to play, resulting in a first place finish in pool play. With Two set wins over Express of Quebec, Interclub of Burlington and Blizzard of Nova Scotia, the girls were starting to get into the spirit.
Day two of power pool saw them in a group that included Celtiques Noire, Libellules, who won two years ago and this year’s number one seeded Quebec team, Mousquestaires. Two sets wins against Celtiques and Libellules set up the final match of the day against Mousquestaires. DA was confident going into the match against a team that started smaller players. The Mousquetaires took advantage of our unforced errors and with their motto “Defense” executed their strategy on the court by earning a win in a three set match.
Final day 3 matches first saw 16U Black play against a club that we have the upmost respect for and last year’s East Nationals Champions, the strong Ottawa Mavericks. Two set wins of 25-17 and 25-20 sent our girls into the semi finals.
A talented team form Jean-Eudes of Montreal, who eventually won Bronze, was next for Attack. The girls, who were now hitting their stride, won 25-12, 25-19.
The Gold medal match was a rematch again, with the number seeded Quebec team Mousquetaires. The Mousquetaires were undefeated so far this tournament, and Attack’s only loss was against them. But this time the girls were ready, all dressed in all black. A motivational plan that was “hatched” allowed the girls to relax and start the match with a focused, fun attitude that allowed them to play without tension.
They played with determination and skill and won the first set 25-16. The second set was important for the girls not to let up and keep pressing for the win. They did not relent, with outstanding offence and great blocks they went ahead 20-12 then 24-15 for an eventual win of 25-18!
What a great result for the Gold Medal Winners of the East Nationals!
Congratulations to the Girls, Coaches Kevin, Mike and John.
The 16U West Nationals are Next. Go Attack!
submitted story CF
