Records: Gar-Field (0-3), Osbourn Park (3-0); 25-7, 25-11, 25-7
The Heroes: The entire Osbourn Park worked as a well-oiled machine and functioned as a calm, cohesive unit. Both the teams' started close (3-3 and 2-1), but OP's Yellow Jackets always found their rhythm first (8-3 and 7-2). The Indians's Rose-Ellen Mock and Anita Rios failed to falter, and kept their team alive, but it was mostly from the efforts of Kaitlyn Mahoney that the Indians were able to keep their heads in the game. Mahoney didn't miss a single spike, yet could not record all that many kills. The opposing Yellow Jackets just seemed too prepared. Osbourn Park relentlessly dismantled Gar-Field.
The Turning Point: Anita Rios had a few amazing digs that amazed the crowd, however Osbourn Park's perfect onslaught of offense left Gar-Field too much on the defense. Few of Gar-Field's points were from actual offensive plays. OP was able to fake kills and passes, but Gar-Field was too predictable, relying only on passes to Mahoney, Rios and a few other girls they could count on. The Yellow Jackets were just too composed, and nothing, including Mahoney's perfect performance, could shake O.P. out of their comfort zone.
The Quote: "They were just so much better than us tonight." Coach Vogel said. "They're definitely one of the best teams we've faced."
Key Stat: Over half of the points against The Indians came from failed digs and saves. Miscommunication and blown serves notably accounted for a few missed opportunities as well.
Who's Next? For Gar-Field, the season is over. Osbourn Park advances to the finals on Thursday, Nov. 4 at 6:00 PM.
The Bottom Line: One can have the best diggers in the world on their team, but if there's no offense, it's going to be near impossible to win. Osbourn Park's team may have just been too talented for Gar-Field. Facing a team like the Yellow Jackets, there needs to be adequate mental preparation. Every point has to be a fight and every error will be costly.
