Fresh from travelling with the Volleyball team to their matches the Observer is pleased to give you two updates, firstly from the 31st of December and secondly from the 24th of December. The team worked hard over the festive break and are looking forward to continuing their games in 2024.
All The Fireworks Delivered at Cleveland – Lee Flames
The last game of the season saw Columtreal University Ballbusters travel to Cleveland to face off with the Lee University Flames on 31st December 2023.
Fired up and ready to go, both teams entered the court with spirit and anticipation and following a quick opening ceremony and a handshake of the team captains, the Flames opened with a series of 5 services to open the match and claim the first five points. However the Columtreal team did not lose a step and following quick early rotations, the tables turned as the Ballbusters took a lead that they did not let go until the end of the first set in a stunning 25-15 for the Columtreal champions.
Inspired by the first set, the second set seemed almost like a carbon copy of the first one; quick rotations and control firmly in the hand of the Columtreal team. Working with clockwork precision, the trio comprising Flores, de Floquet & Wesson did not leave the Lee’s team, much to dismay of the home crowds, even a glimpse of hope for the second set ending as well in 25-15 in favour of the Ballbusters.
It was only the third set that brought the Lee’s champions back into their A-game. With the arena rocking with support of the fans, the Flames grabbed on to the lead of the set early on and held on to it by nails and teeth for most of the duration, maintaining their 1 point advantage. Alas, there was no stopping to the Columtreal side who did not seem to be tiring and eventually the highly cooperative teamwork game powered by the powerhouse trio brought a tie at the 19th point and eventually the close of the third set at 25-21 and chalked up another victory for the season, now sharing the leading position in the conference with 6 other teams.
This one will go down in history as a textbook example on the teamwork execution.
Set results by numbers
Columtreal Ballbusters vs Lee University Flames
Set 1: 25 – 15
Set 2: 25 – 15
Set 3: 25 – 21
| Position | Team(s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Alabama Huntsville Chargers Auburn Montgomery Warhawks Montevallo Falcons Valdosta State Blazers Mississippi Choctaws Shorter Hawks Columtreal Ballbusters |
| 2 | West Florida Argonauts West Georgia Wolves Union West Alabama Tigers |
| 3 | Lee University Flames Christian Brothers Bucs |
It’s a Wrap! Christmas Victory Package Delivered at Carrollton – West Georgia Wolves
The event opened with a short Holiday themed concert by the West Georgia university band. Taking the holiday spirit to heart the Columtreal team Captain Maya Flores delivered a gift of Hathian’s trademark Holy Moly Christmas Donuts to the West Georgia Wolves team Captain Wendy Atkins. Hands shaken, kind words exchanged and everything was ready for first service.
After 15 back and forth exchanges of the lead in the first set, the Columtreal team picked up the pace and started a dominant runaway, executing a great team game, frequently switching up tactics and cementing the victorious first set in the 25-18 score.
With the lead secured, the CU’s ballbusters entered the second set with nearly all out bench line up, resulting in a thrilling war of attrition between the two teams. After impressive 35 minutes the score was at 21-16 in favour of the home team when the Columtreal squad mixed up things with letting the well rested first line in to start a catch up race; overturning the score to final second set score 27-25 in favour of the Columtreal squad, largely carried on the sharp spike barrage delivered by Rachel Wesson from the front row and Maya Flores from the rear row.
In the aftermath of the stolen momentum in the second set, the West Georgia team was unable to recover in the third set, the game firmly in control of the better rested and highly motivated Columtreal squad. The quick rotations and all around team play on Ballbusters side kept the Wolves pacified and unable to bypass the blocking line. The third set ended in undisputable Columtreal victory 25-10, sealing the game at 3-0 final score.
Happy Holidays to all Volleyball fans!
Set results by numbers
Columtreal Ballbusters vs West Georgia Wolves
Set 1: 25 – 18
Set 2: 27 – 25
Set 3: 25 – 10
