Logisticians intramural volleyball champions

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  With a chance to go undefeated, the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron lost their first match, but kept their focus in the second, defeating the 8th Communications Squadron 25-18 and 25-16 during the 2007 base intramural volleyball championship May 11. 

  The communicator's fates were sealed when LRS setter Bryan Brewer passed the ball to blocker Jeff Hollaway, who set it to hitter Rick Pierce for the spike, ending any hopes for a COMM comeback. 

  The threesome of Brewer, Hollaway and Pierce carried the team for most of the match. 

  "The most important thing about winning this championship is the teamwork we had," hitter Hollaway said. "We showed heart after having a gut check ... dropping two straight in the previous match." 

  The previous match was a must win for the communications squadron. Earlier, they lost out during the double elimination match. The first match was won by COMM 25-19 and 25-18. 

  "Winning the first match against the tough LRS team gave us a boost," said Graeme Cowgill, COMM outside hitter and blocker. "We know mentally it was proof that we're a championship caliber team and deserved to be there. In the second match we were a little off in our passing which lead to adjustments in our hitting approach. We just weren't working on all cylinders. But you also have to give credit to LRS; they made the adjustments to play defense instead of using multiple blockers on myself especially. They made the adjustments in order to win the championship." 

  During the first match, the Loggies lived up to their team motto as a new lineup and substitution was implemented. That same lineup occupied the court throughout the match and into the second as well. 

  Hitter Hollaway noted that throughout the year, the Loggies team made sure everyone was afforded the opportunity to play in matches and the squadron was focused on playing as a team and not just making "superstars." 

  Hollaway also admitted there was some confusion early on and the team was taken out of the rhythm during the first match. But the Loggies team maintained a good attitude during a break before the matches. He also pointed out the team could get back into their rhythm with the attitude that, regardless of the outcome, they had "the ability to win with proper adjustments." 

  And those adjustments paid off, contributing to the LRS threesome's 18 kills and seven blocks during the two-game championship match. The adjustments led to an increase of six kills and three blocks from their first match loss. 

  The communications squadron was lead by outside hitters and blockers, including COMM's Cowgill with 22 kills and Chris Fullmer with 10 kills during the entire four games. 

  Matching with the stats of the regular season, the final match came down to the league's giants. 

  LRS came into the tournament as the third seed after hitter Hollaway, arguably their best player, missed the final two weeks of the season as he was trying out for the Air Force volleyball team. 

  COMM was seeded second in the tournament and fell to the loser's bracket after being defeated by the 8th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron "Cobras." 

  "Both teams have a large fan base and good players that drew attention and contributed to a positive environment for the match," Loggies's Hollaway said. "These two teams playing in the championship match was a perfect match up."