MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. (June 14, 2013) -- As sweat poured down the participants faces, volleyballs were collected, the scoreboard was reset, bleachers were retracted and the net was taken down. Players from the Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Systems Command and Naval Health Clinic Quantico volleyball teams exited Barber Physical Activities Center after two playoff games and the season championship game were played aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico on June 13, 2013.
One month earlier, eight teams began the fight for the 2013 intramural volleyball champion title, which led to a three-game battle that sifted out an ultimate winner, the NHCQ team.
“The biggest lesson we have learned from the past is, don’t go to the losers’ bracket,” said Jared Blackway, co-coach of the NHCQ team. “It’s hard to play three games in a row. “
H&S Bn. experienced how exhausting those three consecutive games can be as they fought off The Basic School and then defeated MCSC, which has held the championship title for the past three years.
Passing is so important because it’s the foundation of the volleyball threesome-passing, setting and hitting, said Tom Frush, MCSC coach. One of the reasons they were successful is the ability of their team to pass effectively, he added.
H&S Bn. and NHCQ wrestled through the first match of the finale with both teams scoring and blocking each other’s attempts. Ultimately, NHCQ pulled ahead and outscored their rival, 25-12.
The second championship match proved to be just as competitive as the first, as the teams repeatedly tied and outscored each other during the bout until the NHCQ sealed the deal with their 25th point while their challengers stood three shy with 22.
“We have a solid core of players,” said Blackway, NHCQ co-coach. “We played together all season and are fundamentally solid.”
As teams shook hands and exchanged pleasantries, the NHCQ walked away with their first-ever championship, only to face with more work ahead.
“Four or five of our players will be gone next year,” said Blackway. “That’s what we are going to be focusing on [during the off season].”
Although the 2013 Marine Corps Base Quantico intramural volleyball season is over, those interested in playing next year should contact their unit or the Intramural Sports Office at the Barber Physical Activities Center for information.
With the conclusion of volleyball comes the beginning of the softball season which started June 17, 2013.
Correspondent: samuel.l.ellis@usmc.mil