Up until this past spring season, however, they had only been a little above average in their ranking. The girls had been diligent in learning and improving in their assigned positions, but hadn't quite learned how to trust each other and really play as a "team".
That all changed during the last 2 weeks of this season. They finished 5th (out of 11) in the league's regular season play. After the week of round robin pool play they were placed 2nd in their pool. To make it to the championship game they would have to beat out a #1 & #2 seed from each of the different pools in a single elimination tournament. Well, beat them out they did!! It was amazing to see the difference in their level of play when they worked together as a team.
It was a chilly, Friday night when they met up against the "Dominators", a team they had previously played 3 times and lost each game by 1. This night though...when the going got tough, the TOUGH got going!! Their team played incredible...we have never seen them have so much unity and determination. It was just like you see in the movies...only without the dramatic ending! :) They had the lead the whole game and won 2-1. (And may I just take my motherly right to brag for one moment, and mention that Kaycee totally SHUT DOWN the leading scorer in the league...see photo above as she defends #14!) It really was a fantastic game, and a fabulous ending to a good season. We were so glad to be a part of this "cinderella" story!
A big thanks to her wonderful coach, Leilani Lord, who gave so much time and effort to a team she didn't even have a family member playing on!
The team celebrated afterwards with their 1st place trophies, some yummy cake...and LOTS of family support! (The video clip shows their team tradition of the "fan tunnel" the families would make after each game when the team is done giving their opponet the "good game high five's"...this one was definately the longest! It is dark at the first, but it gets better!)Good Job Girls....Salem Shooters really are NUMBER ONE!!
7 comments:
Awesome. That is great. A big win like that is always so much fun. Kaycee, you are a great girl! Way to go! Cool beans (as Marissa would say!!)
That's totally cool! I'm sure that will be a memory she carries for a long time. Good job, Kaycee!
What a fun tunnel! Way to go, Kaycee. That is a great accomplishment. I love how Cole is wanting a piece of the action -- or at least wanting a piece of cake.
Congratulations! The cream always rises to the top. I'm so glad you had a fun season!
Good job, Kaycee! What a fun thing to accomplish, we loved your successful story and love your determination. Congratulations!
there's just nothing better than times like this!!
WAAAAHHHOOOOOOOO!!
Wow what an accomplishment!! Way to go!!!!
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