Day 8

Just like the past two days, we woke up ready to get a win under our belt. Filling up on the same breakfast buffet (eggs, bread, bananas, bread, yogurt, bread, croissants, cereal, bread), we headed out for our first match of the day against Hungary. We went 1-2 with this team earlier in the week and were ready for some revenge. After falling a bit behind near the end of the first, we battled back and took the set from them 26-24 after two key aces from Genna. This was the first time we, as a team, had figured out how to finish and pull out the win during crunch time, a huge development on the week. Unfortunately, we lost the second set 20-25, and the third 25-27 after some bad timing of mistakes and a few questionable calls. Nevertheless, it was overall a good match for us, with excellent passing and hitting from everyone.

BIP CON against Hungary

After the match, we headed straight to the pool where we relaxed and cooled off our bodies and muscles. Our Croatian version of an ice bath! We all pretty much relaxed, rested, and took it easy during the break to be ready for our next match at four against Czech Republic. Despite a couple good runs and some key plays, we did not perform as well as the morning, or as well as we had hoped we would against this team. Still, it was a terrific learning experience of playing tired and sore, both physically and mentally. And we are still having fun! It is amazing enough just to be able to take the court across from Junior National Teams from all over Europe. An experience I will remember for a lifetime.

We stayed after our match to do a little scouting of our competition for tomorrow and then headed back for showers and dinner. After dinner, we walked back down to the gym to watch the other BIP team, BIP SE, play in the semi-finals against the A2 USA Junior National Team. Despite over half the gym seemingly cheering for A2, BIP SE played their hearts out and took the match in 4. It was absolutely amazing to watch! Such great volleyball! We look forward to cheering them on the finals against Italy.

By the time we got back to the hotel, we started to settle down and get ready for bed, as we had an early match the next morning. Layne and I hung out for a while and were able to talk about a lot of things, including college. She is so adorable and I'm so glad we had a chance to get even closer! So sad to know that we only have one day left to play together as a team! This week has certainly gone by way too fast. Go BIP CON!

Beautiful sunset outside my hotel