The first league game of the 2024 for Columtreal Ballbusters came down in Livingston, Alabama with both teams ready to fight for their first W of the year. After a short opening ceremony the game was on as the match champions took an early lead of the first set which they refused to let go despite the Tigers best efforts, ending in 21-18
Losing the first set, West Alabama Tigers did not lose their morale. Carried on the wings of the massive support of their home crowd they did not allow a single mistake on the Columtreal side go unpunished. A set that has seen a stunning 26 lead changes was keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats for the duration of 38 minutes, finally ending in celebration of the home team as the short runaway brought them a won set at 31 – 29.
Unbroken, the Columtreal team returned to the game against the apparently exhausted but highly motivated home team, as this time the quick rotations and reliance on the bench seemed to be a more effective strategy, taking the grasp of the game firmly in their hands to deliver a 25 – 15 blow.
While at this point the game seemed to be near decided, the West Alabama Tigers refused to just let go. Entering the fourth set with survivor drive they took an early lead and set Columtreal team for a long chase and battle for every point, carrying the game into overtime once more, though a highlight series of three points scored between the Rachel Wesson – Samantha Smith spike machine ended the home hopes and cemented the Columtreal victory 3:1 on the score of 27-25
Set Results by Numbers:
Columtreal Ballbusters vs Alabama Tigers
Set 1: 25 – 18
Set 2: 29 – 31
Set 3: 25 – 15
Set 4: 27 – 25
Our previous match reports can be found HERE or the series can be found HERE.
