Purple Nurple

So it happened. We lost. Not saying it like it was impossible or anything, but I think we could've put up a better fight.
We played Jakarta Electric BLN and they were definitely fired up as they came off a big upset loss last weekend. The gym was crazy crowded and the atmosphere was awesome. It's for nights like these I know why I'm still strapping on the knee pads! Looking at the score, the game was tight. We had moments of brilliance but only to cut the momentum short with a bonehead play or a missed serve. Our whole team played average and against what is probably the 2nd best team in the league (after us, of course) we can't afford to be complacent. Pats on the back and "good jobs" from teammates, fans and management weren't justified. I know it's natural to feel that way as I've experienced it often after losses throughout my career. It's not enough to have a good game, I expect myself to be better. But it's after losses where we really feel the pain of a missed serve or blocked hit ten-fold. When we win we don't analyze and punish ourselves. It's the losses that keep us coming back for more.

The way this team is going to win is to stay together. It's easy to feel the flow when you're winning, to use momentum to keep pushing points. But how do you turn things around and get 6+ people on the same page when the threads are unraveling? In my experience it's not the players with the heaviest hits or biggest blocks that win matches. It's the team that sticks together and dusts each other off when needed. For now, I'm trying to teach my team to celebrate when we win a point but also come together and regroup after we lose one. To not get caught up in our emotions, but to enjoy the moment and experience the pure joy of playing.

I let myself experience the anger and frustration of a loss, I saw my errors replayed in my head, and now I'm just going to let it go. After all, we have a day's rest and play again on Sunday. I'll be getting massages and watching cheap dvd's in my hotel room tomorrow!

Oh! FYI:
I dyed my hair purple for this game and needless to say, it was a hit. I was, once again, interviewed for the sole purpose of discussing my "do". Although I'm no longer known as 'the chick with the dreads', I guess I'll have to settle for being 'the bald chick'. Thanks Babs!