There were some great match-ups but none more interesting
than: FC Elite 15-1 vs FC Elite 15-2
An intra-club match-up between FC Elite 15-1’s and 15-2’s
proved to be one of the most anticipated matches on Sunday. When this happens,
a “1’s” team vs a “2’s” team, it is never easy for anyone involved; though it always
proves to be entertaining. As a coach
for a “1” team, you know, that your players will be motivated to the max (they
need to prove that you made good choices). As a coach for a “2” team, you know,
that your players are going to do everything in their power to prove that they
are every bit as good as the “1’s” players. 
This time around the 15-1’s did win the match-up in
convincing style. The “1’s” began the 1st set with a 6-0 run. The
“2’s” did whittle that lead away to draw within three points twice during the
set before losing 25-14. Set 2 proved to be almost a carbon copy when the “1’s”
jumped out to a 7-1 advantage and then went on to finish with a final score of
25-17.
Many players from the “1’s” stepped up throughout the match
and that is why their team left the Dells Center on Sunday as the #1 seed going
into the third day of the Power League. Both Mallory Dixon & Amalia
Jereczek, setters for the “1’s” kept all of their hitters involved with keen
court sense and good decision making at just the right times. Middle Blocker Margaret Wolowicz took over offensively in both sets as she seemed extremely
comfortable running both in front and behind her setters. She hits a heavy ball
that proved to be impossible to defend especially when running the slide. Outside
Hitter Heather Kocken also got into the act when she and Wolowicz teamed up on
the right side for a block that was almost impenetrable.
The “2’s” made runs midway through both sets, as both Autumn
Risch and Taylor Falck served aggressively with either a jump float or a zone
that kept the “1’s” from running their 1st option on a number of
occassions. Sabrina Vandenheuvel also contributed with a few blocks at just the
right time to keep their hopes high.
These two teams will get a
rematch on the third day of the league as they fight their way through a five
team pool that will decide which bracket they end up in for the finals on March
11th.
Don’t Tell Her She
Can’t Play Middle
If Hannah Wirag from Stoughton has anything to say about it,
the Class of 2020 will be one of the finest that the Badger Region will ever
have. Hannah is a Giant in her Heart;
however her stature says otherwise. The Wisconsin Performance 13-2 player
claims that Libero is her favorite position; though Middle Blocker could
possibly run a close 2nd if she keeps getting a chance to prove
herself there.
It was quite obvious to me as I watched Hannah and her team
play against WI Performance 13-1 that there could not possibly be another player
that exudes more enthusiasm and passion for the game. Not only does Hannah know at all times where
she is supposed to be on the court but she also knows where everyone else is
supposed to be. There was not a moment that she wasn’t encouraging her team
mates and letting them know that they could “do it”.
As Hannah stood at the net with her arms up and ready, I
wondered if the ink on the two-color #27 that takes up the entire front and back
of her jersey might just be weighing her down. I did take a moment to inform
Club Director, Toby Parker that the four numbers on her jersey may be preventing
her from getting up and roofing her opponent (as she strived to do on each and
every play at the net). Hannah has enjoyed emulating her sisters, Katlynn and Maggie
(WI Performance players also) since before she could walk and now that she is on
a team of her own she strives every day to show them a thing or two about the
greatest game ever invented. If you get
a chance, please check out where Hannah and her team are playing as you will be
sure to leave the match with a grin from ear to ear.
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