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?