April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Duck Ponderings: Hauser wins volleyball regional
Hauser led all the way in the first set: 3-0, 7-2 with a time out called to hopefully break momentum, 18-6 with the second and final time out, and then ending 25-14. How would Greenwood Christian Academy react? As Becky Schoen stated after the match, they were down 0-2 to Indy Trinity Lutheran before finding a way to win in their sectional 3-2.
Well, they seemed to pick up their intensity in the second set while taking the lead at 4-6 but then got behind 14-9 and called for their first time out. It did not slow down Hauser as they stretched the lead to 18-9. But, Greenwood Christian somehow found a way to close the lead to 19-18 only to fall back to 22-18 before their second time out. They worked their way back into the match forcing Hauser to take their two time outs late and then won in an amazing comeback 24-26.
Now tied in sets, both teams and fans knew the importance of the third set. Hauser fell behind 2-4 but gradually took the lead to 10-6 forcing a time out by Greenwood Christian. Hauser increased their lead to 22-15 before Greenwood Christian came back to make it 22-18. Hauser called a time out and then won 25-19.
Hauser got off to a great start in the fourth set leading 9-2 early only to see Greenwood Christian tie it at 11-11. But, Hauser took the lead to 17-13 forcing another time out by Greenwood Christian. Hauser reacted by extending their lead and won 25-18.
Both teams then gathered in a circle on the same side of the court they had just competed against one another, a rather unique and special gathering. A young lady from Greenwood Christian led in a prayer as the crowd respectfully got quiet. Presentations were made to both teams in front of a very appreciative crowd of all the great efforts and some very long points. Then, the Hauser student cheer block, in their bright attire, rushed the court to celebrate with the team.
It is not the first time for a Hauser volleyball team to travel to Loogootee. We have been among the final 8 remaining teams in Class A several times while finishing in the top 4 once. Our program is highly respected throughout Indiana. Jeff, a Hauser graduate with a very supportive family and employer, puts his all into each season and has now been coaching varsity for 15 years while closing in on 400 victories, WOW!
At one time, Jeff played a lot of volleyball during the week and on weekends, never thinking about coaching. Like Roger Sanders, he was competing on the men's circuit when I was on my way out. Jeff was one of the best in the game and still plays quite well despite an aging body, just observe team warm-ups! His skill level and knowledge has been a big plus when helping girls learn all the skills. In addition, he has surrounded himself with others who know a lot about the game and who have been willing to devote much time and effort toward the program. I hesitate to mention names knowing I would forget someone. Jeff even allowed a rather unique character like DRAC to come in to make motivation speeches. By the way, DRAC was impressed with all the Diving, Reacting, Anticipating, and Chasing demonstrated during the regional match and promises to be at Loogootee expecting even a higher level of each key in playing the wonderful game of volleyball.[[In-content Ad]]
