AWVP

Much like the perfect summer watermelon, time is needed to ripen to perfection. Such too, are the skills of new pandas. Ball Chair blessed us with abundant sunshine and several battles of spirited rallies, controversial rulings or lack thereof, interesting strategic choices, and plenty of Omar and Ethan in the net. Shout out to @Kallie Harrington for her diligent work retrieving errant volleyballs strewn about the arena by Pandas who forgot that serves must hit the water to score points. It pleases me to see the enthusiasm of less seasoned players who are eager to improve and committed to provide their best efforts. @Vikram Roy's serve becomes more fierce by the day, and I have witnessed several fantastics sets from him. He has my vote locked in as a Most Improved player. Vivek is emerging as a promising young talent as well. He was a key player in several clutch sideouts and points, including our massive comeback win? Oh, did I not mention that? Dynasty #2 was awarded after back-to-back victories in games to 21. It counts in our book. Team Marcello was rather enthusiastic and arrogant after jumping out to a 11-2 lead in the game after they blew another big lead. Ouch. It was through sheer determination, grit, focus, and well placed serves that the team of Creepy, Ram, Vivek, Reno, Miami, and Yours Truly, ultimately emerged victorious in the face of initial adversity. As coach Herm Edwards famously said in a heated, post-game press conference - "YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME! You don't play to just play" The state of the league is strong.