95th MDG, 412 OSS to collide in championship

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The intramural volleyball semi-finals were held at the Rosburg Fitness center May 12 to decide the participants of this year's championship match.

The first matchof the double-header was played between the 95th Medical Group and the 416th Flight Test Squadron teams, with the 95th MDG coming back to win 2-1.

The 416th FLTS jumped out to an early lead, romping the 95th MDG 25-12 in the first game.

"We avoided dumb mistakes, we made some great blocks and left it to them to make the mistakes," said Adam Gunnett, 416th Flight Test Center team coach. "Their setters weren't getting the ball up to their hitters and that was preventing them from using their best assets."

The Desert Medics recovered from their defeat and responded with a win of their own winning the second game 25-19.

"All season long we've had trouble in the first game so I reminded my team that we've come back from worss deficits than this and we could do it again tonight just stay calm and keep playing," said Kevin Turner, 95th Medical Group team coach.

In the match's third game, the 95th MDG jumped to an early lead and clug to it, winning by a score of 15-9.

"Game 3 is all about getting an early jump," David Boydston 95th MDG team member added. "We did and were able to hold that lead the whole game and come out with a win."

Boydston said that he's pleased with the way that his team has been able to put it all together this season and make it to the championship.

"We have had a great team the past few years," said Boydston, "We've been able to make the playoffs but we haven't found a way to make the championship. But this year we have the right players at the right time and everything is clicking."

The late game of the double-header pitted the 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron against the 412th Operations Squadron. The 412th OSS was able to make quick work of their opponents, sweeping the match 2-0.

Knowing what was at stake, the 412th OSS came out ready to win, jumping ahead early and never surrendering their lead. Down by 11 late, the 31st TES did everything they could to mount a comeback but it proved to be too late, going down 20-25.

"We did the same thing we've been doing all year. We got a big lead," said April Lorenz, 412th Operations Squadron coach."They made a good comeback but we were able to keep it together and get the victory."

In game 2, the teams seemed evenly matched, exchange leads and tieing seven times. But with the score tied at 11, the 412th OSS found a way to take control, winning 25-15.

"Our team stayed focused and didn't get overly confident about winning the first game," said Lorenz. "We were able to go out there in the second game and give a repeat performance and win the match."

The winners square off for the title of intramural volleyball champion May 13. Ranked as the top two teams in the league standings, the second ranked 412th OSS enters the match as underdogs despite handing the 95th MDG their only loss of the season.

"It's going to be a good battle," said Lorenz. " It's going to be fun and my team is looking forward to it. We're going to have to stay consistent if we're going to beat a team as good as the 95th MDG."