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
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