A microcosm of the season, this match.
We had one senior and two juniors on the court, sometimes one senior and one juinor. Against a Team with all Seniors and Juniors. I tried to photograph from the wall behind Mt. Carmel's side, so I could capture our faces. But I couldn't see our back row players, like, at all. Ever. Had to shoot from the side.
We had no business not getting swept.
We take Set 1.
I'm still not feeling hope. Just when do you really believe David can take down Goliath?
Mt. Carmel destroys us in the next two sets and takes a lead in the fourth.
It's loud. Some of their student fans have been obnoxious all evening, even leaving the bleachers to get in our players' faces. I'm annoyed with them for spoiling the great feel this sport almost always enjoys.
A good time to fold...
UC takes the Fourth Set. Cajones!
Hope?
It's 8-8 in the Fifth. It's loud. Back and forth. 13-13.
Tournaments are designed so that every team ends the season with a loss, except for one.
We're not that one. Fifth Set two point loss.. No shame in that. Not even a bunch of "What if?"s. We played over our heads. Tonight like many nights.
With each moment, the sting dissipates, replaced with pride. So much pride.
A worthy end to a great year.
Set 1 - UC Wins
The Deciding Set 5
(note: this site is not associated with UCHS, though it tries to maintain supportable editorial standards. Comments about the fan behavior are not endorsed by the team, coaches, or anyone besides this author)