3 - 1

Last night’s game against Linköpings despite the 3-1 loss, is still a victory for the team.  Many small goals were established going into this game, and were positively executed.  The main goal was to come out with one set, which we did.  This was also achieved at a very difficult time.  The team was down 2-0, and continued fighting even harder to meet this goal in the third.  Makenzie’s attacking was flawless in this set, and Linköpings had no way of stopping her.  

Another goal discussed within the team was overcoming the dips and negative ruts we encounter, and really staying together as a team.  Various methods were established, and the team followed suit on all of them.  For outsiders this may not seem so important to the game itself, but for a losing team in a challenging new division this is crucial.  Staying together and fighting through the adversity together will only make the collective stronger, and in turn our game stronger.  

The main area for improvement is found in the serving and receiving aspect.  We specifically focused on these two components for a big chunk of our trainings this week, and the team still made a lot of mistakes.  Linköpings did not have their usual strong serve last night, yet our reception did not take a advantage of it.  The did however set up a very difficult wall which made it very hard to see for the players they targeted.  With that in mind, the Degerfors girls need to give back what we receive.  When we are being screened, we have to screen back.  

As for our serving, the team still struggled with simply putting the ball in play.  If we could eliminate these direct mistakes alone, Linköping could’ve been taken to a fifth set.  

All in all, the team dynamic was very strong and it was a positive game to play right before we travel to Lund.  We hope with the things we learned from this game we can correct these small errors and finally achieve those three points we’ve been looking for.