Saving the Best for Last

     Last Tuesday, the Wittenberg womens volleyball team traveled 6 hours on a charter bus up to Grand Rapids Michigan to participate in the NCAA regional tournament in hopes of achieving back to back national championships.  However, this journey would not come without its' battles and this is exactly what the tigers faced in their three days of competition.
    Day 1: the only obligation the volleyball team had on Wednesday was attending the 55 minute practice mandated and observed by an NCAA representative.  After that, we went to see a movie and had a great team dinner at Olive Garden.
   Day 2: game day#1!! We were set to play Ohio Northern in the first round and beat them in three.  On to the next opponent!!
   Day 3: On Friday, we played Hope College, #5 in the nation vs. us, #2 in the nation.  Big, big game that I think a lot of people did not expect the tigers to handle so confidently and poised.  We beat Hope in three.
   Day 4: Regional Finals. #1Calvin College vs. #2 Wittenberg University.  Basically the national championship match in the third round of the NCAA's.  We knew it was going to be a all out battle, but it was not something we weren't willing to fight for.  My team already had accomplished so much in our season, far beyond anybody's expectations.  So we decided, to enjoy the moment.  Live in the incredible atmosphere we had in that arena with 2,000 fans screaming after every point.  We definitely embraced the challenge with open arms and did not hold anything back.  Unfortunately, we lost to Calvin in 5 sets, ending our season and for the four seniors, our volleyball careers.
   This may seem sad, and it was in the aftermath of the match.  But as we sat back and reflected on our season, my team and I realized that we had already won.  We had created some lasting friendships, learned so much together, and accomplished some amazing feats in the time from August 11th to November 10th. I will forever cherish the times spent as a tiger volleyball player; but especially the moments I had with my team this past season.  Once a tiger, always a tiger! KKHHMMMHHWWB.