Wed June 2nd, 2010 Senior vs Junior men's scrimmage

Today was a big day. We played the much anticipated scrimmage match between the Senior Men's National team and the Junior Men's National team. The Junior team is comprised of secondary school athletes 19 years of age or younger. At least three members of the Junior team will make the Senior National team (and likely 4) and three may start! The Junior national team is very talented and athletic, but not big or experienced.

The Senior National team, however, is experienced, intense and although not what I would call a tall team, we have good size.

There was a good crowd in attendance (maybe 150 people) and much excitement. We played at the outdoor hardcourt at the Carenage. It seemed the crowd favored the underdog Juniors at the start of the match.

The Seniors won the match 4-1 with scores of 25-23; 25-18; 25-21; 21-25; 15-10.

The Seniors utilized a 3-person serve receive all night and player specialization and switching. There was some confusion, as expected, but more because we kept switching up the lineup so everyone got a chance to play. For the most part, the switching (Outsides always swing from the outside, etc.) went well and I was impressed how quickly we have learned this.

The Seniors ball control was very good and we were able to effectively run our middles at will. We ran mostly 1s in the middle and they were pretty much unstoppable. Adam Laffeuillee was tremendous on the outside and from the back row and in my opinion our MVP. Donovan Burke, setter, also had a tremendous match and could also have been named our MVP. He made good decisions, jump set everything, kept the team calm under pressure, and helped direct the offense on the court. Now if we could only get to play "defense first!" and stay down on defense!!!

Alex, our Cuban outside hitter also had a tremendous match and is a difference maker not only from the front row, but also the serving line. He has a blistering jump-topspin serve. Peter, our right side and libero on occasion played consistent and had tremendous diving saves on several occasions (on the cement!). W also had surprisingly good performances from middles Kimon, Pastor John, Andy, Jensen, and Shak. All ran very quick 1s and blocked well. Outside hitter "Underdog" passed exceptionally well in serve receive and actually moved up in my books as a potential defensive candidate. Solomon (libero) played well as did Patrick on the right side and Junior on the outside.

For the Juniors, their starting six of Greg (setter), Josh and Arnold (outsides), Steve and Darrin (middles), Akim (right side), and Kevin (libero) played tremendous. They seemed confused and disorganized at times with some switching, and other times not switching. They have the talent, now they simply need to learn how to 'play' together.

It was really a great match and the local television station (GIS) was there throughout. I'm not sure they video recorded the entire match, but they were there the entire match and video recorded the majority. Afterwards, Nanan and I had television interviews with Trevor, the announcer. By the way, Nanan coached the Juniors and I coached the Seniors.

After the match, the men made Oil Down (the national dish) and it was delicious! We ate, drank juice and caribs, and visited for an hour. I was presented with a couple of very nice gifts that mean a lot to me because of who they were from. I have made great friends while here and they have made me feel appreciated, respected, and like I sincerely helped them with volleyball. Do you ever feel like words cannot completely express your thoughts....that is how I felt last night with these guys. Shaking hands, pounding fives, hugs, and saying "Thank You" just didn't seem enough from me. But that is all I have and I think the guys understood. I have tremendous respect for this group and wish I could travel with them to the tournament to join in their battles. I'll keep in touch through Nanan though and will be there in spirit.

Sidenote: Skoal is $13.00 (U.S) a tin here!!!! Holy Cow!!!

The next two days I am told we will be visiting friends and eating all day. Nanan said that is how Grenadians say Goodbye to friends. Hearing that made me smile.

Respect and Love.