412th OSS clips 417th FLTS's wings

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • dnegndgs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 412th Operations Support Squadron was able to sweep the 417th Flight Test Squadron 2-0 in a best-of-three intramural volleyball match played at the Rosburg Fitness Center April 30.

Both teams hustled and played fundamentally sound throughout both games. The 412th OSS's ability to get an early lead and hang on to it was what put the team past their opponent.

"The 412th (OSS) is a good team and they did a good job," said Matt Keller 417th FLTS team member. "They were able to take advantage of our mistakes and capitalize in both games."

The first game started with a 2-2 tie. From that point, the 412th OSS took the game's first lead by scoring three straight points, making the score 5-2. The 417th FLTS quickly answered back with two points of their own. After seeing their lead diminish to a single point, the 412th OSS buckled down and scored eight of the game's next nine points pulling away to a 13-5 lead.

Both teams battled back and forth and the 417th FLTS was able to gain some ground but were never able to overcome the early deficit.

Behind 15-20, the 417th FLTS went on a three point scoring run, gave up a point and then followed their previous effort with another two points. However, seeing their adversary quickly approaching, the 412th OSS took command of the game, scoring four consecutive points to secure a 20-25 victory.

"Our team plays really well together," said Jeff Wharton 412th OSS team coach. "we have good communication."

The second game started in a similar fashion. Both teams were even for the first few points, and once again, the 412th OSS found a way to grab an early lead. Quickly behind 6-12, the 417th FLTS attempted to make some ground on the large deficit. They began by getting the serve back. After recapturing the serve, they chipped an additional two points from the 412th OSS's lead.

The 412th OSS responded to the comeback effort by doubling the previous scoring run and taking a commanding 16-9 lead. When all hope seemed to be lost, the 417th FLTS made a final push for the win and scored eight of the next 10 points, putting their team right back in the game.

After watching their large lead crumble and nursing a two point lead, the 412th OSS went ahead 24-17, giving the 417th FLTS one last chance at a late comeback. Unable to capitalize, the 417th FLTS were put away on their own serve.

"This was the most athletic game we've played so far," said Coach Wharton. "Both teams chased down some balls that would've otherwise been easy points for the other team."