Monday, January 18, 2010

JCWP Black 11 - SLAP 7

It was another lackadaisical start for JCWP, as the Black Cats spotted SLAP a three goal lead in the first quarter, which ended 5-2. One positive for the JCWP program, sort of, was the play of Keith Gitel. Unfortunately, Gitel scored his first quarter hat trick against the Cats, as he was one of three players to help out a depleted SLAP team. His goals were scored at the end of counter-attacks, following turnovers on the offensive end (a common theme for this JCWP group).

Going into the second quarter realizing that their first quarter play had been unacceptable, the Black Cats regained control. Nick Keao, player of the game, on several occasions decided to take charge, netting several goals from the 2-meter position. The energy boost was palpable on the Cats' side. No goals were allowed in the second quarter, and the turnaround was complete. JCWP entered the third quarter with the lead.

During the third quarter, the Cats maintained and at one point extended their advantage by a few goals only to see SLAP inch back into the game with, you guessed it, two takeaways on the perimeter, followed by a counter-attack goal. The emphasis for the fourth quarter would be protection of the ball, while finishing the game with focus and intensity.

Shooting deep and playing with confidence, the Cats were indeed able to finish the game much better than they started it. The lead was extended and the Cats' deep bench began to wear down their SLAP opponents, who were unable to generate offense and had difficulty getting back defensively.

The final score of the game was 11-7. Over the final three quarters, JCWP outscored their opponents by a score of 9-2. Why, then, was the first quarter such a debacle? Nothing changed between quarters one and two except for the mindset. In the future, the right "mind" should be "set" before the game begins, during warm-ups or even earlier. Try raising your pulse with a few sprints or by swimming the width of the pool underwater once or twice. Sometimes it takes a physical challenge to get your mind set. Whatever you do to get ready, do it each and every time you play, regardless of whom you are playing.

Coach Hayes

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