Our first loss of the season

Already a week after our previous game, we were faced against Monica’s arch-nemesis, Fysio Aastad HS1. The far fetching rivalry promised a good game full of fighting and that it was.

The game started off with trading points, after which Wybren went off on a 6-point serving-spree, extending our lead to 7:1. However, unable to score, we gave away our lead and gave the opponent a fighting chance. In the middle of the set we managed to get ahead once more, having a 5-6-point lead. Winning the initial set felt already within reach, however they had different ideas. We were unable to communicate, gave away some easy points and had troubles with scoring. All of this led to a first set loss of 21:25.

After having lost the first set, we were hit a reality check that these things can happen and when we walked onto the court we had a different breathing. Out of the gate the atmosphere on the court felt calmer and everybody knew exactly what their job was. We worked well as a team and kept a strong lead throughout the whole set. Finishing that one off with a solid 25:17 victory.

With the sets tied, we realized that this is not going to be easy and we have to work for it. However, in the third set we had similar problems to the first set, where our game in general was falling away. We were unable to work as a team and our plays were too simple and forced. The opponent had better answers and took advantage of the chaos we were showing on the field. They took a 2:1 lead, winning the third 25:21.

We had our backs against the wall, it was a do-or-die moment. We really needed to step up our game to secure the points we so desperately needed to stay on top of the leaderboard. The fourth set began, and both sides were looking quite tired already. We managed to take a good lead from Marijn’s good serving and improving our scoring, blocking and defense. Regardless of us leading the fourth set and us really needing the win, the atmosphere on the court was off. It felt stressed, anxious and uneased. We managed to slither our way to a 2:2 tie, winning the fourth 25:20.

Transitioning from the victory in the fourth set, we were lacing the winning mentality, the will to push ourselves harder than we have in trainings and in previous matches. That showed right away on the court with us trailing 3:7. We were struggling with passing and the whole team became careful not to make a mistake, which is not the winning formula. We made a bit of a comeback, however were unable to maintain a good serve and made many mistakes in a row. Resulting in a 11:15 loss in the fifth set and the first overall loss of the season.

It is a good reality check to understand that we are not unbeatable, and nothing will come easy to us. Nobody will just give us the championship trophy we long for. We have to fight for it and if we do not then our winning streak will be broken.

The Heren 1 warriors are longing for a rematch in our home court, in front of our home crowd and next time coming out victorious.