Nationals Day 1: VCU Dodgeball is here to Stay

Flash back to April of last year, when the Club Dodgeball team at VCU brought a 13 person squad to the National Tournament in Western Kentucky. It was our first National Tournament in Club history and we were hyped just to be there honestly. As the first day went by, we fought with everything we had, but sadly came up with a 0-3 and score and the end of that first day.

Now fast Forward to April 16, 2016 at Bowling Green State University, with a final record after day one of 1-1-1. This whole season VCU Dodgeball has been fighting to prove that we are not the same team we were last year, that we have made leaps and bounds from where we were and will continue to improve. Lets break each game down and look at just how far VCU has come.

Game 1: Bowling Green State University

Playing the home team first is never easy, but VCU came out swinging in the first half and went up 1-0 with 6 minutes to spare. BGSU couldn't stand to lose on their home turf, and earned a point very late in the second half, forcing the game into overtime. After a grueling ten minutes overtime, ultimately BGSU ended up on top and took the win 2-1. Although a loss, VCU was predicted to lose by much more and really gave BGSU a run for their money. A key element for VCU from this game was rushing pairs and getting many kills on transition plays.

Game 2: Akron University

VCU's first ever National tournament victory was achieved today with a 2-0 win over Akron University. The first half was an up and down battle with VCU facing a 6 on 2 battle. In a spectacular turn of events, VCU had an amazing series of catches giving them the upper hand and getting the point. After half time, VCU had no issues coming out and getting a second half point to seal the deal on their first program victory in the tournament. Catches were a huge deal in this game, allowing VCU to turn it around and get that crucial first point. VCU also had ball control almost the entire second half, pushing Akron to the back of the court and easily picking them off.

Game 3: Ohio State University

VCU was very much considered an underdog in their war against Fifth ranked OSU. Rallying in a swag circle before the game, VCU vowed to ruin OSU's captain prediction of "a pretty easy game" and an estimated score of 3-0 for OSU. The Buckeyes came out with a lot of fire power in the first half, but the Rams tried their best to withstand and overcome. OSU would get the first point with 11 minutes left in the first half. VCU would regroup and come out with a renewed spirit, quickly picking of the Buckeyes one by one. With two minutes in the half left, VCU would kill the last Buckeye, tieing the game 1-1. In the second half the rams would battle relentlessly for the second point, but come up short, OSU winning with a 2-1 score. Although it may be a loss in the records book, the 2-1 score against a top 5 team really speaks to how much VCU has improved over the year.

VCU Dodgeball will enter the tournament tomorrow as a 12 seed facing Saganaw Valley. VCU has destroyed every prediction anyone made about them for this tournament and through the whole year. VCU Dodgeball has gone from a roster of thirteen with not a single win under their name, to having a full line up a going 1-2 on the day, and setting a program milestone. VCU Dodgeball is no longer a team, but a program. VCU Dodgeball is on the rise and will be for years to come. VCU can and will be a serious threat tomorrow and will give no middle ground. VCU Dodgeball will be preparing for war against every team tomorrow, and will stop at nothing to win.