Week 2 (6-0)

After an exhausting first week that pushed us to our physical limits, we faced a week that seemed even more daunting. In a team meeting at the beginning of the week, the coaching staff challenged the team to have a "can do" attitude about the challenges that were ahead. In addition, we looked for ways to allow their bodies to bounce back from the previous week's demands. So, we started the week with a low impact practice that included learning from watching video of our first weekend and a recovery swim workout. That seemed to do the trick as we travelled to Brenau on Tuesday and rode away with a win. Another day off on Wednesday and a short practice on Thursday helped with the recovery process as we prepared for a marathon of a weekend!

On Friday afternoon, we played LaGrange College at 3:00 followed by Methodist University (who came into the tournament with an undefeated record) at 7:00. With solid contributions from the entire team, we won both matches without dropping a set. The crowd for the 7:00 match was one of the most involved crowds we have had at the Cage as they chanted and cheered our team on to victory.

However, there was little rest for the weary, as we would face Oglethorpe at 11:00 on Saturday morning. A three set win over Oglethorpe was rewarded by a small break before our 1:00 match against Covenant College. Once again, our young team showed their poise and composure as they handed Covenant a loss in three straight sets. While four matches in two days is typically the limit, we were not done this time. We still had to face the toughest opponent of the weekend in Mississippi College. At 5:00, the two teams who had won all of their tournament matches up to that point faced off for what turned out to be the Berry Invitational championship match.

With another solid crowd gathered (including a couple of loyal fans who made signs and created some original cheers that made us all laugh on multiple occasions), our Vikings stepped up to the challenge one more time to defeat a very good Mississippi College in three sets.

As a coach, there are few things that make you happier than to have the pleasure of watching your team leave it all on the floor and be rewarded for their efforts. This group of young women did that this weekend. Their willingness to be coachable combined with their passion for the game and for excellence certainly make our jobs a lot of fun!

This coming week brings a road trip that I know we will all remember for a lifetime. We get to play four worthy opponents at the Kean Invitational, AND we get to do some sightseeing in the Big Apple. Stay tuned for what I know will be some great stories and pictures!

Go Vikings!