416th FLTS flies past 95th FSS, 2-1

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 416th Flight Test Squadron used team unity and cohesiveness to turn around a one game deficit and defeat the 95th Force Support Squadron in back-to-back games April 16 at the Rosburg Fitness Center.

"It was a tough fought battle," said Adam Gunnett, coach of the 416th FLTS team. "They played well in the first game and caught us off guard. It was a great competition and I was glad to be a part of it."

Despite a 25-21 win in game one and a fast start to game two, 95th FSS couldn't keep up with the high flying 416th FLTS, losing the last two games, 20-25 and 12-15.

"We need to work on team chemistry, our team hasn't practiced yet," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Seiuli, member of the 95th Force Support Squadron team. "Every game was close but we did small things in both losses. We beat ourselves."

The first game began with a flurry of action as the 95th FSS jumped to an early 5-2 lead. They were unable to sustain that lead; however, the 416th FLTS quickly caught up. From there the game see-sawed back and forth as the teams exchanged scores. But with the game tied at 16, the 95th FSS took what proved to be an insurmountable lead, scoring six straight points and putting the first game out of the 416th's reach.

"The game had a lot of momentum swings, which kept them exciting," said 1st Lt. Joe Samek, player for the 416th FLTS. "Both teams had good scoring runs. Our success basically came down to our cohesiveness; we didn't get down on ourselves or our teammates for their mistakes."

Game two started in similar fashion, with the advantage going back and forth but the games momentum permanently shifted to the side of the FLTS when they tied the game three-to-three and went on a nine point scoring run. Showing resiliency, the FSS began to rally late, despite being down 12-22. The attempt was both valiant and somewhat successful as they brought the score to 20-23, but the 416th proved to be too much, as they went on to win, 22-25. 

The two opponents once again engaged in an even fought battle as the two traded points back and forth to 11, but once again the experience of the 416th showed as they were able to put away their opponent, beating the FSS, 15-13.

"I think resiliency was key for our team," said Mr. Gunnett. "We blew a big lead in the third game and still were able to hold on and win even though they seemed to take the momentum."

Despite the team's loss, Sergeant Seiuli is hopeful his team will be in the playoffs when the season ends.

"We have a good core of talent," he said. "Master Sgt. Iafeta Iafeta is a good leader. As soon as we learn to play together as a team I think our team will be on track for a good season."