Saturday, October 20, 2012

Happy Thoughts


This is a sad day on campus here in East Lansing. For the first time in my years as a Spartan we lost to the University of Michigan. Worse, we have the worst conference record (1-3) in my time here, and we are all but eliminated from the conference title game. We must win 2 of our last 3 games (no easy task at Wisconsin, then Nebraska and Northwestern) to sneak into a bowl likely with a lowly MAC opponent and sponsored by a fast food joint.

Turning to happy thoughts Basketball is mere weeks away, and even without our fearless leader, Draymond Green, we boast one of the most talented teams in the country. Moreover it has turned to that time of year again, my favorite time to walk around campus. While Autumn does signal that Winter is coming it is still incredibly beautiful time of year, so much so that I stop riding my bike and start walking to class so I can take in the sights. Furthermore the weather is cool and temperate. And finally yes, Midterms are over!

Yes the football season died far too young, but it does no good to dwell on it. We Spartans have a lot to look forward to, and I for one plan to enjoy another great fall in East Lansing.

Monday, October 1, 2012

Playoffs?!

For those who haven't read this blog regularly or don't know me personally I've recently picked up an interest in volleyball. It began last year when at the end of an MSU basketball game, the announcer told us that there was a women's volleyball game against highly ranked Illinois that was going down to the wire, and attendance is free. My friends and I went across the street and I've been hooked on volleyball ever since. This summer I watched every point of beach and indoor volleyball for both US men and women. My thoughts summed up: volleyball is an incredibly deep, intricate, and action packed spectator sport.

So this fall my friends and I decided we would try to compete in beach volleyball co-rec. The season just ended and playoffs are around the corner. I'm so excited I decided to share how it was going for us. The games are 4 on 4 so the first game we went with what we thought was a standard 2-2 formation. We went up against a team that had obviously been together awhile and their chemistry showed on the court. For our first game ever playing together we did really well, we even had a game point although we lost in straight sets (best of 3). We did learn a lot though in that game, and we ended up stealing their formation. They went with a diamond 1 - 2 - 1 formation that seemed to make for clearer responsibility areas, and allowed for an easier flow; ideally we start with a volley from the back 3, followed by a clean set from the front player, allowing for an offensive strike from one of the two wings. By the way, this might be a good time to apologize for my limited knowledge of volleyball terminology, I've been a fan for less than 8 months.

So unfortunately our next opponent had to forfeit but that did allow us for some much needed practice of our new diamond strategy. Our third game was a tough battle against another very strong opponent much like the  first game. They were cohesive and very sure-handed. We did well but our new formation struggled at times allowing big runs that buried us in holes we couldn't overcome. Again we were swept in straight sets. This past Sunday was our last chance to get momentum before the playoffs. We had strong defensive plays including blocks at the net and tough digs (look i'm getting better!) and we managed to put together solid offensive plays using all 3 hits (well maybe not...). We finally put it altogether winning nearly on straight serves (we lost 3 points)!

Winning was never mandatory, we had a great time competing, but I won't deny its sweet taste. I can't wait for the playoffs to begin! I'll have (good?) news soon!