Game one started as a three on five match-up with Joe, Allison and Geoff carrying the load until Maribel and Rich arrived. The distracting wind and lack of cohesive play led to a first round loss and quick trip to the losers bracket.

In game two, Spiked Punch faced the pickled Wildcats and their strange approach to volleyball. With great serving and teamwork, Spiked Punch held on to win the match easily. Season over for the Wildcats. Raise your glasses for the Wildcats, the drunkest team of the BB bunch! Spike punch moved on to play JC Leap Insurance Co. …JC Leap Agency (the better of the two squads) was the top seed in the losers bracket.

Game three was a solid effort as Spiked Punch clobbered JC Leap 21 to 10. The game featured some great net play from Allison and Joe and backline support from Rich, Geoff and Maribel. The game really turned in Spiked Punch’s favor when Rich went on a mad serving tear after the 11 pt. switch of sides. Rodney even had an ace in his debut.

During a lull in the action, with Spiked Punch trying to close out the victory, Joe took an opportunity to rally the team in honor of fallen captain and raw talent, Eric Stewart. Joe painfully raised his right arm, something he has had difficulty doing all season, clenched his fist and straightened his pinky finger shouting, “let’s do this for ERIC!” Joe, of course, was using Eric’s devastating, season ending injury as a motivator to close out the win. Joe’s strategy worked. Season over JC Leap Ins. Co…we hardly knew you.

Feeling confident and one win away from BB league nemesis Lew Mar, Spiked Punch woke up the sleepy Seahawks and played one of its best matches of the year with the entire team putting their lives on the line to win.

The game started out with the Seahawks building a 6-0 lead. Spiked Punch, battled back with the hot potato style and tied the match 10-10. After the switch, both teams had trouble holding serve and kept it even until 12-12. The Seahawks went on a little run to increase their lead to 17-14. With the game getting away, Spiked Punch called timeout and regrouped, catching some air and grabbing some water. The renewed team spirit allowed Spike Punch to claw back and get within 1 point, 20-19. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as Spiked Punch’s season ended with a ball in the net.

After the game, Spiked Punch players were drained but satisfied that they lost the battle with dignity and pride. Of all the losses this season, this one hurts the most but is equally gratifying due to the excellent team play and desire to win.

After hearing the game report, Coach Stewart commented, “Man, I’m so proud of this team!”

What’s next for Spiked Punch?

• Free ACCC ESL classes for Maribel?
• Experimental bionic shoulder surgery for Joe?
• Eric patents “sand gloves” with steel reinforced pinkies?
• Geoff starts a reality series called “Searching for the Next Spiked Puncher” and copywrights “PAY ATTENTION” ?
• Allison runs away with an Amish farmer from Intercourse, PA.?
• Rich wins Smithville citizen of the month award and demands to have bug infested public volleyball pit named in his honor?
• Natalie shows up for the playoffs next week?
• Our one week wonders, Rodney and Mike, start their own team called “DREAD RED”
• WE ALL MEET AGAIN INDOORS????

Stay tuned.

Until then…best wishes and good luck during the fall.

Eric will be unable to play on Tuesday night due to a fractured pinky finger. While the team is saddened, Eric will be on hand to coach from the sidelines and root on the Spike Punchers during their quest for the BB title.

Take a look at Denzel Washington’s pinky to see how Eric’s finger looked shortly after the incident.

UPDATE:

Team captain, Eric Stewart dislocated his pinky finger during practice in Ventnor, Thursday night, while attempting to return a serve by Geoff P.

“It didn’t sound good when he hit it,” said fellow spiked puncher, Rich.

“Su dedo parece realmente malo,” said 3 on 3 foe, Maribel.

According to the Spiked Punch team doctor, Eric has not been cleared to play on Tuesday. The doctor has advised Eric to seek the advice of an orthopedist due to a possible bone chip or fracture.

Joe D. knows all about injuries and is not optimistic about Eric joining the team for the playoffs.

“…When my thumb was screwed up, I didn’t want to complain about it. [Eric’s injury] is gonna make him hit the ball weird once it takes a good hit,” Joe specualted. “Maybe he should put ice on it.”

* If you would like to donate your time to help Eric use the stylus on his PDA, please contact him immediately.

Bad Break for Captain Eric

Team captain, Eric Stewart dislocated or broke his pinky finger during practice in Ventnor, Thursday night, while attempting to return a serve by Geoff P.

Spiked Punch didn’t mind the wait, they used the extra time to practice. However several of the Sea Hawks were fuming over the delayed start. Perhaps their anger saved us a ref fee, not sure. But the net did eventually arrive and the game did take place.

Game one got off to a hot start by the Sea Hawks. Despite falling behind rather early the Punchers were able to tie it up and make a tightly contested game out of it. Rich, Eric, Geoff and Joe brought an aggressive net game, while Maribel and Alisson did a great job of bumping and setting the guys for some strong finishes. However with the game close the Sea Hawks did manage to make more crucial big plays at the finish to give them the first game.

The second game had Spiked Punch start with a big lead. This was a very technically solid game by the Punchers. Some of the best bumps seen yet this season were on display, and once again the guys all played the net very well to get us some big points. The girls got in on the finishing too with some very nice hits themselves. This was one of the better, if not the best game Spiked Punch has played all season. Spiked Punch took this one.

Game three started with us calling the wrong side (thanks to Joe’s pre-game suggestion, sorry Eric). The battle was close throughout, with what seemed to be much better serves from the Sea Hawks than in the previous two games. Despite another strong team effort by Spiked Punch, the Sea Hawks did take the third game.

Next week are the playoffs, and hopefully Spiked Punch will be able to carry over their play especially from the second game. I must admit that it has truly been a pleasure playing alongside everyone this season. I’ve met some very good people and really saw everyone improve week after week. I think we’ve got the pieces in place to make a big run next week.

Our opponent this week was the heavy serving crew from Lew Mar. We had previously met earlier in the season with Lew Mar taking the series 2-1. They were short a girl, but we allowed them to play all their guys and not have to play short handed with a rotation. Perhaps that wasn’t the best of decisions as the night played out.

Game one was an excellent game. Lots of hustle by everyone really made for an exciting game. It was very close throughout with some standout play by Eric really slamming down some points. Those spikes came from the hard work and solid sets and bumps with Maribel, Nathalie, and Rich really standing out. Joe even sold his soul for a spike late in the first game. In the end, Spiked Punch hung in there and closed out Lew Mar for a tough win.

The second game was a bit rough for the Punchers. Lew Mar had some outstanding well placed serves. They really painted the lines freakishly well at times during the night. Lew Mar was the more aggressive team at the net during this game, with Joe taking a rocket nearly to his face that when it was done orbiting the moon deciding to landm on the pier. Spiked Punch fell down by a pretty big margin and wasn’t able to recover with Lew Mar taking the second game.

Game three was simply a serving clinic by Lew Mar. They literally picked us apart with their serves. Their serves were simply dominant and we didn’t come up with an answer for it. They took the game rather handily. Despite the two tough losses we did play very solid in the first game and should look to carry over that performance next week to wrap up the regular season.

IMPORTANT CHANGE

Playoffs will be on 8/21/07 at the pier all teams on BB, A1, and A2 need to show up and be ready to start at 6pm sharp.Whatever does not finish will play the following week 8/28/07 at the tennis courts. AA will start at 6pm. BB, A1 & A2 will start at 7pm

We need to move our volleyball to Ventnor Pier (Cambridge and the beach) see schedules for updates.

The first game took place on court six against the color coordinated Bottom Feeders. Despite the very solid play of SP early in the first game, the Bottom Feeders got off to an early lead. Some great volleys were exchanged in the first game, but the early deficit was too much for the Punchers to overcome with the Bottom Feeders taking game one.

Games two and three were probably Spiked Punches finest games of the season. Superb overall team play with some excellent volleys gave the Spiked Punch crew two very decisive victories. I won’t point out any individual efforts in these two victories as it was truly a fine team effort. Got to admit that while watching you guys play while being rotated out was very fun to watch. You’ve all really come a long way and should be proud of your play, especially in those two games.

Our next match was against the top ranked WMA squad with the tardy smoking ref and a borderline illegal player participating. Game one was a real battle. Spiked Punch hung in there all game with the strong WMA squad, it was neck and neck most of the way. But WMA showed why they’re the top team taking the tightly contested battle.

Game two against WMA was a bit rough for Spiked Punch. WMA really played well throughout the game and took it rather handily. Not deterred by the loss, Spiked Punch came back fighting in the third game of the night. However on this night their efforts wouldn’t be enough as the mighty WMA took all three games.

WMA proved to be a very good team, good serves and very solid volleying. Despite the loss Spiked Punch did put up some solid games and proved that we can compete with the best BB has to offer. I know we went a combined 2-4 on the night, but I was very impressed with the play of Spiked Punch. Especially the first four games of the night.

One of the most memorable evenings in the Spiked Punch beach season began with a little mystery. When Geoff arrived on court one, he witnessed a few refs digging, then rolling a massive chunk of concrete off the court leaving a large hole right in the middle of the northside half of the court. Digging for treasure? No, just another example of why our league prefers torturous playing conditions instead of the soft sand of the pier-side courts.

Match 1 - Spiked Punch vs. Voodoo Daddies

Sore shoulder Joe and serving specialist, Allison joined Geoff and prepared for game one. Eric and Maribel arrived just in time for the first service and Rich joined in shortly after a few points were scored. Communication, hustle and accuracy guided the team to an easy game one victory. After the switch, Spiked Punch seemed to have game two under control before losing a close one. Game three, unfortunately, ended the same way with Spiked Punch confused and aggravated for losing two consecutive games that could have easily been won.

Perhaps the unsportsmanlike comments, gestures and annoyances of the Voodoo Daddies distracted the Punchers. A rumor started swirling that Natalie was kidnapped and forced to describe each player physically so Chief Voodoo Prick, Mr. Polymer could craft mini-dolls of each player and stick numerous pins in them forcing poor play, miscommunication and other unforced errors that would prevent a Spiked Punch sweep. If you noticed, Maribel was the best player on the court. I don’t believe Natalie ever met Maribel and thus would be unable to describe her. Interesting, isn’t it?

Authorities have been notified and instructed to follow the pungent odor of cannabis and trail of pins to Voodoo headquarters. Perhaps Natalie will turn up there?

Spiked Punch should have taken all three games and it’s obvious the entire team took the 1-2 match result hard. But, misery wouldn’t last long.

Match 2 - Spiked Punch vs. JC Leap Ins. Service

Spiked Punch redeemed itself in a BIG way with three hard fought victories over JC Leap Ins. Services. If you recall, Spiked Punch opened the season with a 2-1 match victory over JC’s other squad, The Agency. Spiked Punch owns JC Leap, even when a victory seems impossible.

What will go down as the best display of teamwork, determination and resolve, Spiked Punch recovered from being down in every game, JC’s evolutionary strategy, building from four to six players over the course of two games, the distracting service contorsions of that somewhat physically disabled woman with the knee brace and a few unfortunate “ball on court” calls to sweep the match, 3-0.

Outstanding serves by Joe D., Eric, Rich and Allison paced the Punchers. Geoff and Maribel did their part with hustle, communication and a little timely net play with the game on the line.

Game three turned out to be the best game of the year thus far.

With JC in control, 14-7, the maturity and concentration of the six fatigued punchers slowly emerged. Eric’s significantly improved serve got the rally started. Rich provided some great sets and pulled off some great kills to cut the lead. After a few sideouts, Allson took the service helm and fired off a few more well placed rockets, pulling the Punchers closer. A testament to the team’s desire was Eric’s unselfishness and sacrifice as he dove for the first time this season in the glass studded Ventnor sand.

JC Leap put the brakes on SP’s rally and ended up getting to game point, 20-18. Spiked Punch won the serve back and tied the match 20-20. Joe served out the win with positioned shots to the “the girl in the knee brace” and Geoff, after a great set by Maribel, killed the ball to seal the awesome comeback.

The three game sweep was the first of the season for Spiked Punch and sets the stage for another crucial doubleheader next week.

Practice is scheduled for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Ventnor. We’ll all meet at the glass courts and walk a few blocks down the boards to the soft sand mecca of the pier courts. Let’s keep the energy up, the communication flowing and continue to grow as a well balanced team.

“Are you guys holding a clinic?” Geoff asked. “No,” said one of the guys. “We’re just practicing.”

Little did we know that a two-hour clinic was about to take place courtesy of Dave Pacevich and Walter Lloyd.

Dave and Walt were preparing for this weekend’s quandomania tournament.

While I’m sure we’ll forget some of the tips, hints, suggestions and fundamental tools that were shared last night, one thing that will be hard to forget is the graciousness and patience these two men demonstrated toward the three spiked punchers.

One of the first things we did was warm up. Call it playing gopher. Joe was probably the best at it. Basically, as Dave and Walt practiced their net play, Joe settled into his role chasing all the rocket launched kills that travelled yards down the beach. Meanwhile, Eric and I attempted to touch one of the fireballs coming over the net. That’s right, I wrote TOUCH.

We play Double-B(BB) for a reason. If there was any notion that we were capable of playing at a higher level, D&W squashed that very quickly.

Soon after the warm-up, we played a little three on two. Immediately, Dave started offering strategy/advice on how to start the game. While Joe loves picking the pebble hand, he now understands what to do once the pebble is revealed. Very simply, choose the side that has the wind in your face, if you have a choice of serving or returning and do NOT have the wind, choose to return the serve.

We played for a while and switched sides every seven points. During each switch, we learned more and more about this increasingly complex game.

Here is a recap of what we learned:

1. hand signals
2. how to approach the net
3. defensive coverage
4. serving
5. bumping
6. setting
7. spiking
8. court awareness
9. the role of each position
10. mandatory need for designated setter
11. getting in the right stance
12. how to move in the sand
13. conserving energy

Instead of going into precise detail on all the points, I believe it would be better to work on some of the newly learned skills prior to our games. That might involve arriving an hour before game time and running a few drills. Simple stuff and a good way to warm-up for gameplay. I know Eric and I will be doing some pre-game prep, hopefully, others will join in.

In addition to learning, we had a great deal of fun, mostly from our mistakes.

• Joe is still healing from his face wound. I believe Dave nailed him in the right temple. This is kind of what it looked like (except it was on the beach and Joe’s cyborg skeleton kept him from falling).
• Pretty boy Captain Eric is still sand-free because he believes his raw athletic talent doesn’t require him to dive.
• Old man Geoff is trying to find a way to jump more than an inch off the ground and not waste so much energy diving wildly at shots.

Coincidentially, Joe and Dave attended classes together at Stockton. Not really sure what the subject was but they seemed to recall attending the class with strippers.

We’ll be back in Ventnor next Thursday night for practice. Hopefully, we’ll run into a pair of new friends and learn more…

The Teacher’s Pets played solid all three games, but Spiked Punch really did most of the damage to themselves this week. Managing to come back from a big game one deficit, the Punchers didn’t have enought magic in their tank to steal the first game. Games two and three pretty much went the Teacher’s way too, with too many errors being commited by SP.

Overall team play was down after last weeks excellent performance, but the team did remain upbeat and never lost their composure throughout their subpar night. Spike Punch has a double header next week and are looking forward to getting back to the solid play they had demonstrated the previous weeks.

Loose Ligament Joe has a theory that our game one losses may be due to our practice location in Smithville. He may have a good point since we all realize the net height and court dimensions are shorter/smaller than the glass lands of Ventnor.

Here’s an idea we’ve discussed. (Actually JOE came up with it THEN we discussed it)

Thursday night practices at the courts in Ventnor (Joe’s IDEA!!)

On Tuesday night, we’re going to inspect how the nets are hung and take note of the court boundary tape. Then, if the team is interested, we all pitch in $5 to get a net and boundary lines for our practice nights. (Joe said FIVE ($5) Dollars…that’s HIS idea)
The advantages are that we’ll have a familiar place to play that matches game conditions, we can offer other teams that location to scrimmage with us and we’ll have the supplies to practice anytime we prefer.

Plus “No Bugs,” says Joe.

Please comment on this topic when you get a chance. And make sure you give Joe credit for coming up with the idea.