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)