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Printer-Friendly ModeConfidence not wavering despite loss to Grand Valley
March 28, 2011 —
A 3-1 loss to Grand Valley State in the regular season finale won’t have lasting effects.
According to senior Spencer Jardine, the loss only boosted the Cardinal’s confidence.
“We had to switch the start time and some of our top players weren’t able to make the game because of the switch,” Jardine said. “We were all pleased with the way we played.”
SVSU dominated early and took the first point. The Lakers got back on track by handily winning the next two before earning the fourth point with timely catching.
“We had some key counter kills for the first point but Grand Valley made some great catches to earn the next three,” Jardine said.
The win gave the Lakers the season series, 2-1.
“”I think we probably would have handled them had we had our whole team there,” Jardine said.
Instead, the Cardinals fell to 7-5, a record Jardine said doesn’t portray how good SVSU is.
“I hate seeing our record because we really played so much better than that,” Jardine said.
Three losses in the Michigan Dodgeball Cup have put a slight damper on an otherwise memorable season.
“Other than the three losses at the Cup, this has been one of the best seasons of SVSU dodgeball to date,” Jardine said.
Jardine, who made a point blank catch during first half play, gave credit to senior Josh Brettrager and freshman Max Siler.
“Josh had a couple of great catches and amazing kills,” Jardine said. “Max also had a solid game.”
The Cardinals have annually been one of the nation’s top teams, only to come up short during the national championship tournament. With an experienced squad including seniors Bryan Janick, Jimmy Curtis, Ryan Schian and Jason Stein, the 2011 tournament gives SVSU one last shot to bring home a championship for its core.
“We want to win this for the seniors,” Jardine said. “These guys are the heart and soul of the team that have been here the last four years. This is their last hoorah.
“We want to send them out with a championship.”
Standing in the way of a championship could be Grand Valley, a team that has been a thorn in SVSU’s side in recent tournament runs. Jardine doesn’t the Lakers will be a problem this time around.
“We know Grand Valley like the back of our hand,” Jardine said. “It would be easier to play a team we’re familiar with rather than a team that we have never played before from Ohio or Nebraska.”
The hunt for a national championship kicks off April 8 in Bowling Green, Ky. The Cardinals will be one of a record 19 teams competing for the championship. Jardine predicted the winner will most likely have to play six games in two days.
“Fatigue and exhaustion will play a huge role,” Jardine said. “Whatever team can step up and play through the pain will have an advantage.”
With nearly two weeks before the national tournament, the Cardinals will spend time practicing.
“We will continue to practice and get better,” Janick said. “Hopefully we will be ready to go for the tournament.”
With a full lineup expected to compete in the national tournament, Janick expects the team to be playing at its best.
“When we have our full roster, we’re a tough team to beat,” Janick said.