Grand Prix 2007 has started and USA volleyball has started out right! Well, although wins are not always pretty we will take and ugly win any day. We started out really slowly our first match against Poland. Down 0-2 there was a twenty minute break that allowed us to regroup. We spoke specifically about the things we needed to better and was better able to execute upon the start of the third set. I am really proud of the team in how we recomposed ourselves and really teamed together against all adversities. We showed tremendous character and fight.
Tonight unlike yesterday we started the match strong and maintained it until the finished. We were so focused that we didn’t realize some of the technical time outs until the buzzer. This time up 2-0 at the break, we really wanted to keep the momentum going into the third. For the first time in a while, we were able to finish a good team off and not wait for them to make errors or take the lead. Yes, that happens. We some times shoot ourselves in the foot so to speak. Tonight’s match was a good stepping stone for us as we are preparing ultimately for the NORCECA zone qualifier for the World Cup, which is the first Olympic qualifier.
GOD is Great and all praise be to Him as He blesses, Ty, Cassie, Rob, Court, OG, KimG, KW, Coley, CLee, Heat, Jen, myself and all of USA Volleyball Staff to grow in unity, experience, character, ability, patience and all the things it takes to build a good team. AMEN!
Tomorrow we will play China. Rrrrrrrr! We scrimmaged them four set a few days ago and won three of the four sets. However that was practice tomorrow it will be to finish first in our pool for this leg. We were able to gain an idea as to what we will be up against. Although they didn’t play at least two of their starters, we were able to control most of the sets, getting good touches on their attack, defending and transitioning out of the play.
GO USA, beat china!
Danielle
PS All of you praying folks please lift up Heather for the speedy and complete healing of her abdominal muscle and for healing of all of our aches and pains. AMEN!
Danielle – just finished watching your games against Poland and China.
As ever you were the perfect team member – full of tactical guile – boundless enthusiasm – and athleticism and conditioning that puts athletes ten years younger than yourself to shame.
Where do you get the energy from ?
You have a really tough schedule over the next few weeks – but I am really looking forward to following your progress
Paul from England.
What a GREAT victory over Russia!
They did not air it here, as usual, but I downloaded it and, well, all I can say is ‘WOW’! Great job! Don’t let the defeat against China let you down, I’m sure USA has potential to be at least bronze in the Grand Prix. GO GIRLS!
And about Pan American Games, it was sooo great!! I can say I am a proud suporter of USA NT and that was amaaaaaazing! Again, if you want pictures, I can send it to you. 🙂