The end is nigh

Guess who's back????? I"m coming RIGHT BACK AT YA! I know it has been a little while everyone, but I had some much needed time away. I needed some time to have some grieving, and time to reconnect with the wonderful game of volleyball. Don't be fooled by the close of regular season volleyball's play - the game can never die. After all, the thing that matters is the name on the front, not the name on the back. But anyway, alas, it is time for me to report all the things that have happened around the scene of Lady Lions volleyball. It was the final nail in the coffin, or the final heartbreaker if you will. The SSCC tournament came and went, and the Lady Lions were tragically left in the ashes. After the strength and intensity displayed by the Lady Lions, I could not help but be reminded of why I even write for this team at all. It's really because of the family I see in them. And there that word shows up again...

The Lady Lions had to settle for a 5 seed in the tournament, and were not able to battle their way past the first round. Now, the season was full of triumphant victories, and yet equally as many heartbreaking episodes too. But I try not to despair. Winter volleyball is right around the corner, and word on the street says that Lady Lion regulars Anna Staub and Hollie Huber will be participating in a local league. Fans, don't throw in the proverbial towel. There is much more where that came from, MUCH MORE. Can anybody ever get enough competitive volleyball in their system? I think not. You must be totally insane if you think it has been enough. More details to come later on this league thing folks....

Now, it's time to evaluate our season, and hopefully not in hindsight. It may be slightly painful to continue to have to dwell on this loss at the end, but I will try to remain composed and give my best insights as to how the season can be graded. You know, I can definitely think of someone who thinks they are dealing with real loss right now. Who might that be? Right again, you are. It's the sleezy scumbag that for some reason goes by Matt Painter. You think losing Hummel is bad? Well, if that is the case, then I do have some pertinent news for you, Painter. Wait until the NCAA finds out about everything else you thought you have been getting away with. The day that surfaces, USC football will look like the most pristine slate in all of college sports. Purdue basketball will be most likely be derailed after taking those blows. Back to my initial point here though: The season looked quite strong at some points, especially when downing public school giants such as EC Central, and Bowman Academy. But there were unmistakable lows as well. At one point, the Lady Lions had difficulty finding wins, whether it be on the road, or at HOME at the V-rena. Now that that has been brought up, it may as well be said. When you are not able to keep the win home, some problems are going to arise. Your team's mindset is going to start having issues, and that undoubtedly has an effect on the team's strength and intensity. But let's not forget why the win is not kept home - not enough family. As many times as I have emphasized this point, it need not be forgotten. The evidence speaks for itself. Until we start seeing wins being kept home, then obviously the team has not understood how important family is. I just quite cannot understand how the team forgets it. It's one of the 12 keys to having a phenomenal season, and each and every player should keep a strict memory log for these 12 keys. So how do the Lady Lions measure up after it has all been said and done?

I have to give them a generous B-. I have got to give credit where credit is due though. I did indeed witness some captivating and scintillating volleyball this season. In fact, more often than not, I was on the edge of my seat, only wondering what was going to unfold on the next serve. Wins and losses will always be brought up as well. Injuries are a factor, and I understand that very well. They can bring a team down faster than Michael Moore's cholesterol levels go up after eating a sandwich. But you have got to wonder what kind of talk has being going on behind the scenes with athletic department higher-ups regarding the coaching situation. Are these results going to be tolerated? There is certainly no definite answer to this question right now, but based on the numbers, I will let you connect the dots as to where the situation could be headed.

On a more personal note, I will be direly missing the passion, the heart, and all of the enthusiasm that comes with the glory of volleyball season. It was much too short lived. But I will certainly keep you as filled in as can be during this winter. It's going to be incredible. Signing out for now folks.


The one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,
Danny Mosco.


Today's picture comes from the scene of one of the more intense blocks I have yet to come across.

Take No Prisoners, Lest You Be the One

Tttttake no prrrrrisoners, ya heard? It was one of those kinds of nights at the V-rena on Monday night. Hammond Academy came, and three do-not-blink sets later, Hammond Academy went. They had no idea what sort of prowess had just hit them in the face. Coach Sassman rallied the troops, and in a take-no-prisoners fashion, the match ended quicker than a drive through a rural Wyoming town. Not to mention what an atrocious scene it was to witness their pink breast cancer uniforms. If I was a breast cancer patient, I would surely be appalled at the representation shown in that match - lifeless, overwhelmed, and absolutely no fight. Just how any cancer patient would want to be portrayed...NOT. I had enough of that. But after that "tune up" on Monday night, the Lady Lions had a date with destiny on Tuesday night, heading in to take on MCAC. How did turn out exactly? You maybe would not like to know the answer to that question. But, as I have previously stated, i cover the good, the bad, and the ugly. I do not run at the sight of unpleasant events, so as to compromise my credibility as a journalist. I once again plead with you to understand that I report with as much accuracy as a Barrett sniper rifle.

The events of Tuesday night's match against MCAC was not quite the storybook ending to the 2010 campaign, but the time is not now to give up. The trial by fire has not yet begun - The SSCC tournament. Eyes are on the prize for the Lady Lions heading into the tournament, but that trophy is beginning to seem farther away. MCAC quite honestly acted like the clean up crew, as brutal serve after another, the Lady Lions were sunk in three sets. It appears that Lady Lions were subjected to the very same treatment they had endured approximately just 24 hours before. What is there to be taken away from all of the disheartening events of the past couple of weeks? The answer lies in family. There we are again ladies and gentleman - family is once again a key point. But as has been discussed before, the importance is going to be in keeping it properly fueled by strength, intensity, and mindset. The wrong mindset will send you into a downward spiral that triggers a series of very unfortunate events - such as three set killers. I'll fill you in on a little tidbit here: the best way to learn how to be a winner is found in learning how to be a loser first. No one knows this better than coach Matt Painter, who heads up a Purdue team that went from sub-par at best, to perennial Big Ten champions. How did that happen exactly? Well, as a matter of fact, it is something that did happen overnight. That, in and of itself, makes me stop and scratch my head for at least a minute. Details of all the things involved down in West Lafayette are not yet known, most likely because the last people that Painter needs to find out about are those at the NCAA...

So here comes the SSCC tournament, affectionately dubbed the "World Fall Classic." The Lady Lions are measuring a little shorter these days, but that is no immediate cause to write them off as being losers. I have not yet seen one loser on this Lady Lions team, as they fight with an honor that makes an eighteenth century British redcoat soldier look indecent. That's what you get with this team. Game after game has shown that they are bunch that is similar to a diamond in the rough. The moment of truth is upon us all now. Will the Lady Lions take home the prize of the tournament, the coveted first place spot? Is it the time for the team to bloom, as late as it may be? It would not be without overcoming some kind of odds as an underdog. But after a season like the one that has been, coming away with a victory would be an accomplishment. Now is the time to step up to the plate, I encourage. The whole VCA faithful is holding their breath, and has their gazes fixed on the court. It is time that I may i sign on out, as all we can do now is watch.


The one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,
Danny Mosco.


Today's picture of the day comes from the scene of an amazing dig. Can YOU dig it?

Losing players equates to losing wins

This week was rough. After the "golden" high of Monday night's pummeling of Portage Christian wore off, reality sunk in. It it was pretty deep, I'm sorry to say. Tuesday brought a horrifying loss to LaThuggiere (LaLumiere), and Thursday brought more of the same as the Lady Lions had another win ripped away from them by First Baptist of Mishawaka. They failed to keep the win HOME. Let me fill you in on something here. New York City has a vast and expansive skyline, filled with many skyscrapers, much like the Lady Lions roster. But when you lose two key players, some issues begin to surface and manifest themselves. As large as the New York skyline is, of course it did not go unnoticed when the Twin Towers fell. That brings me to my next point. The Lady Lions suffered two devastating blows this week in the form of losing the heart, strength, and anchor-esque presence of Junior Az'a Braner at the net. Next was the continued lack of presence of injured Junior Trinitie Oetman, who beings veteran leadership, and rock solid stability to a Lady Lion team looking for someone slightly older who brings experience to a younger team. The Twin Towers have fallen at the V-rena. But as the smoke clears, and the rubble is left, what is there left to be salvaged from all of this? Great question, folks. I'm going to go ahead and report to you as accurately as Peyton Manning throws a football. It's not just some dude's opinion, like a certain someone who blogs about Calumet Christian Volleyball...

As much as I want to be the eternal optimist, it is getting more and more difficult with each passing game. But don't confuse me with the haters, I report cold hard facts as I see it. And the facts are looking gloomy based on this week's results. First Baptist of Mishawaka rolled in on Thursday night, looking to draw blood. The Lady Lions were looking to avenge the poor play of just two nights earlier at LaThuggiere (LaLamuiere). First Baptist came out guns firing as they took the first two sets. But Coach Sassman was able to rally her players to take the next two sets with authority, as the Lady Lions pushed it to five. We have been no strangers to five setters at home this year, as more often than not they have been the case. This episode ended no differently than a lot of the others. The Lady Lions came out in the fifth looking promising, as they took the first few points. But First Baptist fired back, and began reeling off against the seemingly helpless Lady Lion defense. The next few points made me want to run out of the V-rena crying. Just as soon as the set had begun, there it had ended. The heartbreaker was sealed, as something as simple as a dropped ball was left alone because it appeared to be heading out of play. That is how that week came to a close...

I was fortunate enough to get past the hordes of media personnel on Friday, as I came into the Lady Lions practice looking for some player insight. I decided to approach Junior Katie Delisio, who by the way has done a magnificent job bringing veteran leadership, stability, and enthusiasm to this relatively young squad. I did not want to take too much of her time, so I decided to cut straight to the point. There was some hesitancy at first, as not all reporters are willing to pose the hard questions like me. I wanted to know what she thought were some of the causes for the recent struggles. After a short pause, she told me she thought there was a lack of focus among the team. After asking her to elaborate a little bit, she briefly paused, and admitted that she thought the team's mindset was negative. And what does bad mindset come from? It comes from a lack of family, obviously. And there were are again, back to family. I think Matt Painter has finally a got a piece of what he had coming to him, as his star forward Robbie Hummel once again sustained an injury during practice. It will keep him out for the duration of the 2010-2011 season. And what exactly is it? It is a torn ACL! Someone must have forgotten to inform Painter that what goes around comes around. I'll tell you what. I was on campus in West Lafayette during late June of this past summer, and I almost could not believe the things I was seeing. Mackie Arena was/is still a freak scene. Were I to name all of the things Painter has going on around there, this post would be flagged, and this entire blog as it exists would be possibly be considered to be removed as we know it. But I will let you know that Painter has got his bases covered, much like President Obama has secret service men covering the White House. Except Matt Painter's "eye in the sky" is far more advanced and much less amateur than the secret service. Last time I checked, the NCAA does not allow heavily fortified intelligence services to guard your arena. Sounds a little suspicious to me. Moving on to the next subject!...

The Lady Lions will have a chance for a tune up this Monday, as Christian Haven rolls in to the V-rena. Hold Your breathe though, because a loss here would spell real trouble. All hope is not lost though, as the conference tournament has yet to pass. And until a winner is crowned there, I refuse to give up on the Lady Lions. Until the last match point of the last game of the season is played, nothing is set in stone. This is the time to solidify a season that has as many ups and downs as Millennium Force at Cedar Point. It's going to start with keeping it HOME on Monday, followed by keeping the right mindset, fueled by strength and intensity, going into the SSCC tournament. I'm all in now! Join me into the plunge, fellow fans.

The one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,
Danny Mosco.

P.S. I'm going to begin giving you a photo of the day from now on, as best i can, to visually stimulate your volleyball appetite.


An image of Mackey Arena from the external.

Don't be deceived, for the even the deepest of issues are not easily concealed

Believe it. The upstart Lady Lions kept the win HOME, as the inaugural "gold rush" game was everything as promised. Portage Christian could simply not handle the onslaught. Serve after serve, they just could not return. Put that in your rhyme book. And with each one, the V-rena students section exploded! It was the roof was blown off of the place, time and time again. Portage Christian had a harder time returning it than Michael Jackson had (post-death, by the way) keeping his prized estate out of the hands of his greedy family. And there it is again, family. It always comes back to family. "But what can we draw from this surge?", you may be asking yourself. Well, I'm so glad you asked. Because I feel prepared to give you a legitimate answer.

Number one. It starts with family. I saw a whole heck of a lot of it on Monday night, as the clobbering of less-than-stellar Portage Christian provided the Lady Lions with some kind of winning high. Lady Lion Ellie Rettew had a field day as the Portage Christian defense helplessly hemmed and hawed. Likewise, they also could not handle the perfect, and beautifully placed sets of Lady Lion Hollie Huber. Lady Lion Az'a Braner spiked it home more times than Dr. House has solved medical mysteries. But I'm not easily fooled when it comes to evaluating volleyball situations. In the middle of all of this commotion, there was some moments where I couldn't help but cringe. Of course, a win is a win, and I do not want to take away from that. But quite frankly, I don't see the Yankees celebrating after a victory over the Kansas City Royals. It's a foregone conclusion. Likewise, the Lady Lions did not disappoint, at least on this night. But let's not forget the past few episodes that have happened around here lately. I've seen many a team shroud their family and locker room problems in a cloud of fan-crazed mania.

Number two. The conference tournament has yet to pass. That is the real test here, folks. That's what is gonna bring the gold out of these girls. Coach Sassman is going all in now. There's just no turning back at this point. Yes, the tournament is still a little off, with the Lady Lions having a chance to sharpen up before the moment of fate arrives. It starts with tonight's match against Lathuggiere (LaLumiere), which did not finish in time for this publication. But if we connect X's and O's, we can only hope that the outcome was for the best. Team MVP Az'a Braner was reported as being ill this morning, which strikes as being an unfortunate blow for the Lady Lions. The next couple of tests will come against First Baptist Mishawaka, Christian Haven, Mishawaka Christian, and then finally on to the SSCC tournament. I never did have so much anticipation for any event. Speaking of anticipation, I'm sure Coach Matt Painter is anxiously awaiting November 2nd, as his Boilerfakers open up the season against powerhouse Indianapolis. Yeah, exactly. Who??? I see how he handles himself. Schedule the little guys so that you can bolster your record. Well, I have some news for you Painter - The NCAA selection committee does not value your empty wins. In fact, all that does is make your case appear even weaker before them than it already is. ANYWAY....

My last point for this entry is this: It ends with family too. If they get it straightened out here in this week, get ready for the big time. But as I have said before, do NOT count your victories before they occur, because that is contradictory to having the right MINDSET...you gotta have strength, baby! And intensity is equally important! Hear me out readers: I believe in the Lady Lions like I believe in PB&J - simple, but nourishing. It's going to be an interesting week. Rise and shine, because now is the time for victory!

The one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,
Danny Mosco

Woe to those who cough up wins

I'm coming right at ya with this. Somebody, anybody, please explain to me what is going on! Could this be what the Lady Lions are beginning to reap, after all of the confusion that has been brewing deep below surface view? Lady Lion fans are disoriented, as well as me, with recent performance. It doesn't look like the same squad as two weeks ago. Mind you, i have not witnessed the last two previous losses, but don't assume that what i'm saying here is not legitimate. First it was Gary Wallace, then Gary Roosevelt. Before the giants (Lady Lions) were slain not once, but twice, in Gary, i did not even know who those teams were. You have got be kidding me. I think that there is probably a logical conclusion to draw from the recent poor outings - family problems. There's that word again. Somehow, the conversation makes its way back to family at least another time.

Ok, well what family problems? You know what family problems. It all started since last Monday's locker room episode. And since they took the road later in the week, nobody can say with any kind of certainty how much further it escalated. Like I said before - No family = no mindset =  no intensity = no wins. It's the best winning formula any coach could ever employ. I don't think i ever saw that strategy written in Matt Painter's coaching philosophy. As a matter of fact, it would be wise of Painter to not keep any written records at all. That is, if he wants to keep himself hidden from NCAA sanctions. It all starts, and quite frankly ends, with family. I think Coach Sassman needs to evaluate the situation here, before potentially somebody else begins to do that for her...

An insider familiar with the situation has informed me that the recent woes have not gone unnoticed. In fact, they have the entire athletic world at VCA holding their breath. With the SSCC tournament looming in the horizon, now could not be a better time to clean up the act for the Lady Lions. Redemption is available. But what will it take to resuscitate the seemingly lifeless Lady Lions? Are they not threatened by the idea of handing away a trophy to a much lesser, unworthy, program? I see a championship-capable group when I look at this roster. I've witnessed their practices, full drilling, and all. It's not meant for the weak hearted, and pathetic, such as a Granger Christian and the like.

So now on to trying to highlight something positive. Setter Anna Staub has grades in order, and is back to finish out the season. This is a huge addition for the Lady Lions. Get your all-star ballots ready, because she may be needing your vote. As for the rest of things, let's go ahead and not get ahead. That should make perfect sense. It's all or nothing now for the Lady Lions. Who's gonna take the bacon home? Speaking of home, the Lady Lions have the opportunity of a lifetime tomorrow night, when they host rival Portage Christian in varsity action! As well as middle school games too. But these days, I haven't noticed too much difference in middle school and high school lineups, if you know what I mean...

Come on out tomorrow night! It is shaping up to be pretty special, since it is "Gold Rush" night. Wear gold, and you get in half price. No questions asked. Burgers and hot dogs will be as low as $1! The Lady Lions need to keep it HOME!


The one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,

Danny Mosco

You have got to wonder

BAM!!! The Lady Lions avoided another heartbreaker tonight, downing IHSAA powerhouse and state champion* Bowman Academy in 4 sets before a packed house at the V-rena! Ok, not totally packed. But Way to make us all proud! Things seem to be getting back on the right track right? But you have got to ask yourself a serious question. Just who is being made proud here, besides the faithful fans? Because recent happenings seem to suggest another secret party may be getting involved around the Lady Lions organization. Could it be some kind of booster club?...

Well, i don't want to jump to conclusions too early. I mean the Lady Lions run a tight ship right? Well, i thought so too. But i gotta be honest with you all. I'm a little confused with what i'm seeing as of late. Ever since Trinitie Oetman went down with an injury, varsity regulars are getting bench time, whilst middle schoolers Ellie Smith and Haylee Witt are seeing quality time out on the varsity floor! I know, I know, but i'm telling you the truth. I report it as i see it. Since when do regular contributors have the responsibility of keeping the pine clean? I don't think they did much to deserve this. You  gotta wonder what seems to have gotten into Coach Sassman. She seems to be riding a fence of some sort, but i can't quite put my finger on it. It may be a little early to say anything, but i advise you all to prepare for a resolution to this turmoil. What seems to be going on here? Does this make anybody else wonder? Never did i expect Matt Painter-esque tactics to begin being employed here. I had no idea his crooked philosophy had such an extended reach. You want to know how I can see this at work? I'll tell you what. It's not that hard to find recent Matt Painter activity. All you have to do is follow the slimy trail that he leaves behind. I'll let you decide for yourself though. I think the evidence seems to speak pretty loudly and pretty clearly as it already is. I'll invite to survey the situation for yourself. My findings are beginning to disturb me though...

I'll let the girls have their glory though. After all, they downed a legitimate opponent with a bit of a struggle. Breakthrough has a price tag though, as all Lady Lion fans know. I gotta give a shout out to Lady Lion Hollie Huber though. Her horizon is brighter than a fender telecaster on steroids!...
Ok, maybe we don't all know our music stuff. Anyway, she has big things on her way. I think Tiffany Fisher could learn a lesson from her. All she ever did was stomp on the heart and soul that i pour into this...my heart practically shattered into a thousand pieces...

In conclusion, i gotta say, I'm all for the Lady Lions! I consider it an honor to write for them. Not every program around the region can boast as lively a following. Ultimately, i left my heart in the V-rena. I've been there through the piercing pain of every dropped ball, or the sweet euphoria of every successful kill. So i can't help but get emotional when i see that there could some kind of shake up going on. Lady Lion fans, i gotta urge you to keep with it. There could be a storm on the way...

Until next time,
The one and only VCA volleyball beat writer,
Danny Mosco


*State Champion only in basketball