ISACK U13 Girls Volleyball; Semi-Final
TES 2 - 0 KES
Well their dream lives on after a fantastic performance on Tuesday against KES in their volleyball semi-final. The girls are not only trying to win the volleyball season, but also match a record set 5 years ago and win every ISACK season in the same academic year. With just one game left, can they do it?
Yesterday’s semi was no easy fixture. Both teams threw everything except the kitchen sink at the game. During the first set, we had the better start, courtesy of some outstanding serving from Amelia. We were 5-0 up and looking comfortable. But before we knew it, a couple of mistakes meant that KES were back in the game. 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, they were level. The set then was very nip and tuck. We regained the lead and built a small one, mid way through the set. But KES came charging back after we made several unforced errors. Eventually, we took back the lead and began to open up the gap after some superb serving and fantastic determination to return the ball - throwing limbs left, right and centre (and even off the court in Angelina’s case!) to ensure the point wasn’t going KES’ way. Eventually, after some heart stopping moments, we managed to win the set 25-18; but boy did we have to work for it!
As we moved into the second set, an unchanged 6 had momentum and confidence on their side. But KES weren’t going to hand us the victory. Before we knew it, we were 3-0 down. A couple of mistakes and some mistimed shots, meant that we were on the back foot for the first 5 minutes of the opening set. Eventually, we were able to keep serve and got a run of points going. However, KES came storming back and soon, we were 10-6 behind. The girls stood firm however and a quick change in tact, saw the girls pull their way back into the match. Both teams were neck and neck. KES, not wanting to lose 2-0 and we certainly didn’t want a 3rd set tie breaker- my heart couldn’t handle it, let alone the girls!
As we reached 20, we managed to open up a 2 point gap. At 20-18, excitement built as the girls realised just how close they were to winning. A time out was called, as the scoreline reached 23-21. We needed two more points to win!! 23-22, 23-23…..our hearts almost stopped! Were we really going to lose now, at the very final hurdle?
Some gutsy team play using 3 touches where possible, saw us win back the serve. Suddenly, it was 24-23 to KES. SET POINT!! Thankfully, our girls managed to steady the nerves and win back the serve. At 24-24, it was up to Darcy to serve us out. The first serve- ace! 25-24...only one point left! KES call a time out. The girls were visibly shaking from the pressure as they stepped back onto the court. One final point and we were through. Darcy serves, KES return, TES set up a lovely 3 touch return and…..boom! KES couldn’t return the ball. 26-24! We are through to the final!!
We are elated! Excitement still courses through everyone veins. Our U13 girls have managed to final in every ISACK season this academic. One challenge remained now- could they WIN every ISACK season? We shall find out next Tuesday as they take on NES; it was their volleyball fixture this season and the only fixture the U13 girls have lost all year! Game on ladies!!