Our one and only travel trip for the 2024 Panther 13 Black team was last weekend in Salt Lake City. It was a long weekend, and one that wasn't successful in the outcome, but was a good time for the team and they grew up a bit. This was the first travel trip for many of them, and they did well in some days. We didn't see the energy crash we did at our other three day tournaments, partially because we'd prepared them.
First, Salt Lake is beautiful. We enjoyed the views of mountains all around. Our hotel was about 25mi from the convention center, and a parent drove us around a couple times, so we were able to look around and see the sights. Image on instragram.
From a record, we were 7-10 in games, and 2-5 in matches. The first day we played the eventual winner of the 13 American division. Our team was sure these were 14 or 15 year old girls on steroids. They wiped the floor with us. The other two teams were beatable, and we took them to three sets, but lost. Surprisingly, we didn't serve well, which has been a strength for us.
I blame some nerves.
The second day we won easily, then lost a close one where we thought we might win. After winning the first, the other team leaned on their dynamic middle and she performed. We didn't have a good answer, neither in blocking or digging. That was disappointing. Still, somehow they lost to the team we beat and we took 1st place in the pool.
The third day we lost to a much better team. I felt bad for them, as they were in the lower half with us because the first day they lost a 3 way tie in their pool to the eventual 3rd and 5th place teams. We lost 17-25 and 14-25 and it didn't feel that close.
Much needed beer at the airport.
It was a good weekend overall. Some nice team bonding, some funny pics when the team took my phone. Long days, but not too stressful for me and a nice travel trip.
Slightly sad it's our only one, but it's been a long season, so ready for things to end.
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