BLOG: Team USA A2 Update - July 28
By Todd Dagenais
July 26
After starting off 2-0 vs the Dominican Republic and Canada, our team has suffered two tough five-set losses in our last two matches. We now sit at 2-2 and now need some help to advance to the gold medal bracket round. We finish tonight at 8:30 eastern time versus the Lone Star Region.
The weather is finally cooling off today. I think it was in the low 90s. They are having a huge outdoor block party near the Iowa capital building for the athletes and coaches, but it looks like we may not finish in time to head over.
The teams spirit is good despite the last two losses. Somehow an impromptu burbing contest broke out during our private lunch today. I guess nothing is as funny as a good burp. Well... actually one thing is funnier than a good burp....but I'm not sure they know each other THAT well yet!! Girls are not really that much different than boys when it comes to that stuff. Hahaha
Update: 2:15 a.m. July 27
Today we finished pool play with a convincing win over the Lone Star region. It was kind of weird since I was just coaching many of the Lone Star players in a camp just a few weeks ago. Classy kids and classy families.
The Dominican Republic won the pool going 4-1 overall. Their only loss was to our squad in the second day. There was a three-way tie for second place at 3-2. The Canadian team took the tie breaker with a better set percentage (12-8), than we did at 13-10. Therefore we got bumped down to third. It's kind of a bummer to take third place in a pool where you beat the 1st and 2nd place teams!
Regardless of the outcome in the pool, the real goal is to try and get all players equal playing time, and make sure we accurately evaluate them for future USA pipeline assignments. In that case, our mission was accomplished and play time was nearly equal for all.
Now we move forward with our new goal to take fifth place overall of the 18 teams in the Junior International Division. We will take on The USA Continental team this morning at 8:30 am, the Team Florida at 3:30. As long as we win one if the two matches, we will advance into the silver bracket (5th thru 8th place).
I just heard from my friends with Team USA in London and they are really excited for the matches to begin. Both the Men's and the Women's teams have a legit shot at making the medal stand this year. Every time the opening ceremonies roll around I think back of all the great memories I had being a part of the 2004 coaching delegation in Athens. There is nothing like that amazing international stage.
Right here in Des Moines are the Olympians of 2020 and 2024. That's probably why I take time out of my summer each year to work with these athletes. I want to do my part to help them achieve those same great memories that I was fortunate enough to enjoy.
Update: July 27 - 8:23 p.m.
Despite the fact that we could no longer win the gold medal, the USA Junior National A-2 team played with a renewed focus and intensity today dominating both opponents, 3-0. Everyone got to play a significant contributing role in our success.
Tomorrow we have a rematch at 7 p.m. EDT vs. Iowa. This will be our final match of the event. If you remember, Iowa was the team that beat us in five sets the evening of Day 2. Payback time!!!
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