Dante's European Adventure: Friedrichshafen and Greek Party...OPA!

Last weekend (Oct. 28th) we travelled to Friedrichshafen to play the Volley Young Stars (German Junior National Team). They are the 2nd team of Friedrichshafen (the best team in Germany who also compete in the Champions League) and share the gym with them. They are basically the best under 19 year old players in Germany.

Volley Stadium (Friedrichshafen warming up pre-game)

More Volley Stadium

We played in a volley stadium. It was awesome. Like nothing I've played in before. After our 3 hour car ride we warmed up and got down to business. We were up right away and I felt fairly confident we would win the match even though our no. 1 left side was not playing due to illness. We lost the first set 25-23. No problem. Second set rolls around and we're losing. Our setter is now out because of a wrist injury. We lose the 2nd. Still no problem. This team is young, if we win #3 we have a good chance at the match. Nein. We lost 3-0, last set being 28-26. They served very well and took our middles out of the game. Despite the loss, I was encouraged in terms of my personal play. After being out of the game for nearly 4 years, it has been slow-going getting back into form. I played my best game so far (no stats yet) so hopefully I can keep that up and help the team when we are all healthy and get some wins.

Not a loss we were counting on but we must move on...today we play the team closest to us (proximity-wise) and the match is called the Local Derby. We have beat this team before and our home gym will be packed and loud. Should be fun.

After that loss, we headed back to Buhl and then our president took the four North Americans to a "Greek Party." He bought us food, ouzo and wine and we danced and had a great time. Much like Lancer times...win or lose, hit the booze.