Youth Team Match #4 vs. Delta Recap

Intermountain Youth defeat Delta 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-13, 25-20)

Statistical Leaders:
Digs - Jenna (7)
Blocks - Tasi (9.5)
Aces - Maline/Rae (3 each)
Passing - Jenna (2.41)
Kill % - Tasi (.916)
Kills - Tasi (11)

Thoughts from Scooter:
Talk about a complete 180. The girls between matches were able to do something very difficult in putting away (mentally) our previous match where we were so bad and got re-focused and re-dedicated to the next match to start our Round 2 Gold Division Pool. We left for the gym and went to watch our Select team who is on a roll. We were able to watch their first two games and then the girls, without being asked, were responsible and left to go get ready for our match. Martha and I soon joined and arrived to the court seeing our players doing some team bonding and having "fun" together which was a great thing to see. We had a great warm up and even had "virtal warm up" with no balls as they were fixing the net. The entire crowd was laughing and joining in the fun. The match began against Delta (from Arkansas area) and we tried a brand new line up which had 2 outside hitters, 2 right side hitters, 1 middle and our setter setting from the middle position. The new line up was a bit of a challenged and just created a lot of chaos and stress that was not needed and we lost a very close game 21-25. Betweeen games we talked to the girls letting them know that all was well...we played very solid in all aspects of the game except passing. We encouraged them to pass just a little better and gave them a very specific game plan to follow in order to get their best player frustrated (#5 for them was REALLY good). The girls stepped up to the challenge and over the next three games, controlled every aspect of the match even though it was close and a hard fought match. The fans were great (we have a WONDERFUL cheering section that really helps our intensity) and the girls really worked as a team and they started to have that "ah ha" moment. The win felt great not only because we played really well but because we beat a very good team. Tonight we came back to the hotel, had pulled pork sandwiches and then we all went to ice cream. This group of girls is wonderful to be around and all good kids, each with a different personality which makes it so fun to watch them all mesh into one unit. They are really learning and growing so much.

Tomorrow we play at 12:15 (Chesapeake) and 5:45 (Oklahoma). Both should be tough matches but for sure will be a lot of fun.

Thoughts from Tasi:
This afternoon we played Delta. We started off losing the first game of the match, but we ended the night with a win! We took Delta to four games winning the last three. This is their first loss of the tournament. We all played with high intensity and showed team unity. Overall we are looking pretty good and can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. It will be another intense day, and we will have to bring it again to show ‘em what we got. TODAY WAS A WONDERFUL DAY! :]
Wise words from Kaitlyn: "My parents are older than me!"