MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- From the opening serve to the final point, it was an all 4 Bangers +1 championship game to end the 4-on-4 Volleyball Tournament here at IronWorks Gym Saturday.
Team Hope pulled off a hard-earned finish in the first of a best of three championship series, beating the 4 Bangers +1 21-18, but they could not rally enough to maintain their momentum throughout the next two, losing 21-19 and 15-10.
The 4 Bangers +1, with a tournament record of 7-1, entered Saturdays game knowing they were the number one seed and had the edge on Team Hope.
“The competition got tougher throughout the tournament, but when heat and fatigue started to kick in we definitely had to step up our game,” said 4 Bangers +1 coach Jordan Kroell.
The 4 Bangers +1 like most teams had at least five players, so it gave them a chance to substitute and keep their players as fresh as possible to prevent injuries.
With 11 teams competing for the championship it was a good idea to stay loose and fresh for any upcoming challenge. “It was the most teams we have had for a volleyball tournament,” said Andrew Porche, athletic coordinator Marine Corps Community Services.
The gym got pretty hot as teams watched their competition from the bleachers playing one another and studying their techniques to gain any possible advantage once they faced off.
By the end of the first half of the competition, it was clear that the 4 Bangers +1 had found their rhythm and were not going down without a good fight.
They ended the first half of competition without a loss and took command of the winners bracket as they continued to build momentum off every ace, stuff, and kill.
“The 4 Bangers +1 did really well. We stuck to our game plan and it worked,” said Kroell.
Team Hope did improve from the last tournament they competed in where they finished fourth; however it was the 4 Bangers +1 who ultimately won the championship and will hold the title until next time.
“We are looking forward to another successful volleyball tournament to take place in October,” said Porche.
Additional information about upcoming competitions can be directed to the Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit division at 253-5225.