Redemption for me and the team!

Last night team Pislaploki had a "Cup" game, meaning a non league match but equally as important. We played against a team called Eura from another small town here in Finland. Cup games are against the other teams in the league, if you lose then you are out of the Cup league and therefore have more weekends off then the others do. If you continue to win you stay in it naturally. If your team wins the whole thing the club gets money and the title of Finnish Cup Champions. Wouldn't mind winning that title. So, last night was the second cup game the team has played and the first for me. It was a home match, meaning our crowd (which I am loving more and more every home match) was going to be there, perfect! Our gym can hold up to 1500+ people if you packed people in and set up chairs around the court. The court is to the left and the stands to the right. The side lines are up against a wall where the big scoreboard is. At the beginning of every match they turn off all the lights in the gym and spot light each player as they run on to the court. The announcer announces the other team first quickly and then turn up the pump up music and announce us individually at a much slower pace. I am second to come out and am instantly blinded by the spot light, should probably try to not look up at the crowd next time, can't see anyone anyway. Two of  the girls when announced come out and do these intense cartwheels that gets the crowd going a little more. Once that is over we go to the bench and wait for the starting line ups to be called. After the starting 6 are out on the court the match begins. Our crowd never stops cheering for us which is always encouraging. They are the best consistent crowd I have played in front of.

The match went to 5 sets and was up and down with points and performance. We ended up pulling through with a strong last set for the win. Personally I was playing a lot better and was hitting harder. I was playing on the right side instead of outside hitter which I think is a better fit for me on this team. The only thing that was slightly lacking was my defense on the right side, I had never played that position before so it was a little frustrating at times when tips and hits would go down that were mine. But time will help me with that area and I believe that it will get better. Another match this weekend and then to Jyväskylä for some much needed social time with the team at a dance club or bar. Will be a much better night if we win, so lets hope for a W.