PLAYOFFS

With the regular season finally concluded, there are no more excuses, no points to be won, it just comes down to the teams that have worked hard all year long to secure their spot in the final 8 and doing whatever it takes to win and advance.

This will be an even more enchanting series, coming against not only the #1 team in the league but also against our closest rival in Loimaa, Hurricane.

You'll be lucky to find an open seat at either Hall this week

Since last year, in 7 matches against Hurricane, both Halls have been packed and full of energy, added the thrill of the playoffs and there is no doubt that both home teams will have a huge advantage, even with the opposing team's crowd coming in with large numbers.

This is truly going to be one of the most exciting playoffs series, with both teams full of confidence and ability, Loimaa and Raisio will be the place to be to find the best volleyball in Finland in the next couple days.

To get a little more anxious, below are a two videos of Ossi and myself throughout the year so far. Can't wait for the challenge and can't wait for a packed house as we come back to Kerttula Saturday night. See you then.

Until next time,

Dustin (Jenkki #1)

A different path, to achieve a similar goal

After falling to a much improved Etta last week, the mood was pessimistic at best, everyone was so focused on the goal at hand to return from Oulu with 3 points. Leaving with 0, there was an assortment of different emotions, trying to figure out what went wrong instead of refocusing on the next game, which would be pivotal against a Korso team, coming into Raisio on a hot streak.

The coaches and the organization, made an interesting decision, following that loss. One, that affected our season for the better...
canceling our practice the day before the game.... to go laser tagging.

It was so odd, hearing the new schedule on the phone but it was just the right ingredient, to get us back on track. We meet that Friday afternoon, split the teams into 3s, young guys, old guys and then the coaches plus the handicap (Iiro and Kimmo). We played two rounds but it felt like a life time, there wasn't one guy without a smile on his face the whole time,  the mood was great and any pressure the team felt was gone for those 2 hours we were there.

Ossi, not only did it with his shoulder but with his will and energy, affecting his team and the home crowd.

With a blank mind, heading into the Korso game, we were still unable to take an early lead, lead by the dominate play by their older universal player, Korso was able to send us into the locker room, looking for answers. With some great words from our captain, we went back out with a new found confidence, rallying behind both setters, Ossi, swinging high and hard over the block and Duncan, able to do it not only from the front row but from the end line with his serve. It all just came together and the mood in Kerttula became a steady wave of consistent clapping that never stopped for the home team, all the way until the 15th point in the 5th set.

It was one of those matches, where you know all the struggles, hard work and even at time loses are worth it, just to get a glimpse of that feeling of overcoming everything and finding success with your teammates and friends. And I can't wait for more of it, we have a long road to go into the playoffs and I know we will be up for the challenge.

Until next time,
Dustin (Jenkki #1)

The Big Push, another American in town

With 4 games left, this is where the fun really begins, the halls fill up, the eyes of the Finnish volleyball world become fixed to every point filling the standings and the pressure and anxiety is as thick as snow. Tonight will mark the first of 3 home games at Kerttula to end the regular season and it will be a great one, with the newest Jenkki coming to town, opposite, Matthew Proper.

Theres not much I can say about him, that this picture can't. He is a physical beast. Very strong, very tall and with a great jump to go along as well. What will make the game even more exciting to watch is with Saimaa coming off a huge win against Muurle last night, only the 3rd team to do so at their home hall.'

With all these ingredients assembled, it will be another great night of volleyball in the best hall of Finland. Hope to see all of Raisio and can't wait for what will be a very exciting and competitive night of volleyball.

Below, is a little documentation of our recent trip to Sampo. We played great  but at the end we were only able to capture 1 point. One of the things that makes us a great team is our team chemistry, as you will see everyone gets along great, lots of smiles and of course lots of coffee. Can't wait for tonight, see everyone at Kerttula.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwitVuWMA4M&context=C36a5b25ADOEgsToPDskLeipgTKbCDZV8j3onQ06VE

Until next time,
Dustin (Jenkki #1)