2012 Jamboree

Finally! Volleyball is back in the schedule as the 2012 season kicked off with the 4A/3A Jamboree over at Juanita. The girls started out against a tough Woodinville team and things were pretty much over before they got started. Final score: Woodinville 25, Kangs 13.

Once we got that out of the way, the girls began to gel. Taking on another 4A team, we had a late lead, but one serve into the net and things went south (doesn't it always work that way?). Final score: Inglemoor 25, Kangs 23

Game 3 is when things finally seemed to click. The coach went to a 5-1 and the girls responded with passes, serves, sets and kills all crisp and confident and I believe we were up 15-4 at one point. Maddie's experience really allows her to take charge. She is constantly moving her teammates to their proper positions, offering encouragement and just playing steady, solid volleyball. She doesn't have a killer serve, and although I would have liked to see her work on this skill more in the past, she became comfortable being able to put it where she wants, and just about 100% of the time. I love a powerful ace just like the next guy, but when an ace is followed by a serve into the net, the net gain on points is zero. I like having someone on the team who you KNOW is going to keep the ball in play, especially late. Teams make enough mistakes on serve receive to justify this approach. Of course, a girl who has a CONSISTENT good serve is a godsend. Anyway, with the 5-1 and Maddie running the show, we beat Bothell 25-17.

Game 4 was another 5-1 with Maddie on the bench and it was a disaster (not necessarily the other setter's fault). The rotations were messed up and no one seemed in charge. That, along with the fact we were playing Skyline, led to a good old fashioned whippin. Skyline 25, Kangs 14.

After that debacle, it was back to a 6-2 and we took out Maddie's mom's old high school, Redmond, 25-19.

Then, it was arch rival Juanita. We started a sophomore and a freshman and ran the 6-2 and the game was extremely entertaining. The Juanita setter is a joy to watch, but they are a little thin after that; the game went back and forth and was the last game going. We would take the lead and give it up. They'd serve one into the net and we'd hit one long....but Lake Washington prevailed and we pulled it out 28-26.

So we went 3-3 against 4A schools and I think the team has some mojo. It still may take some time to click, and unfortunately, we start out with a ranked Mercer Island team on Thursday. Anyway, good to be back in the saddle again. Maddie had a good time tonight, is warming to the coaching staff, and likes her teammates.

Here's to a great 2012 to all of you!