So, the Crush Volleyball Club's 14U girls squad didn't win a match at the Volleyball Canada 14U National Championships, but they weren't expecting to.
It was all about the experience and exposure and they did it all with smiles on their faces.
The group of eight girls are home after playing in Ottawa last weekend, their third and final road trip of the season.
Coach Jeannie Mathison said not winning a match wasn't a shock.
SA国际影视传媒淚t was the first national-level event for these girls and you never know what to expect going in,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淕etting exposure for the girls was the big thing because we hadn't gone to tournaments with this group before this season.SA国际影视传媒�
The team had been to one of Alberta Volleyball's Premier Tournaments along with the Alberta provincial championships before playing in Ottawa, but it wasn't the same team each time, said Mathison.
SA国际影视传媒淲e had a couple of girls go to all three,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淲e talked about what we wanted to get from nationals and the main parts were encouraging participation, having the opportunity to play and having the experience.SA国际影视传媒�
While the girls didn't win any matches, they did find success in winning some sets, forcing some of their matches to a third set.
They weren't able to capitalize, though and Mathison said the big reason was serving.
SA国际影视传媒淪ome of the teams we played had some really strong servers,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淥ur serve-receive was also a big deal, especially in our last match. We were making teams earn most of their points, but in our last match we gave them almost all 50 of their points.SA国际影视传媒�
But there was one award the girls walked away with and it was the one which Mathison was the most proud of.
The girls were named winners of the Fair Play Award, the only girls team of the entire bunch to get it and Mathison said it was a big deal.
SA国际影视传媒淲e went in knowing the nerves were there and they were in situations where they weren't on top in a match,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淣o matter what, they were always positive. They interacted so well with everyone and with each other. They never once turned on each other when things weren't going well and I think that stood out the most.SA国际影视传媒�
The team also made some fans among the other contingents, she added.
SA国际影视传媒淲e didn't know anyone beforehand and all of a sudden, we have people cheering for us,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
The focus now turns to the club's 16U boys team as they are en route to Toronto for the Volleyball Canada 16U National Championships, which gets underway on Sunday morning.
