2017 Boys Volleyball IASAS Recap
The 1st sports season here at ISB is now over, and the boys varsity volleyball team is back from IASAS. Overall the team finished in a surprising fourth place after their great 1st day performance. The team’s goal was to just go into the tournament and play their best to be able to gain experience due to their young line up.The IASAS team consisted of only 2 seniors and the young upcoming players will be able to fill up those spots beautifully next year. This year ISB was by far the youngest team and they still found a way to compete in a strong manner and will be able to return solid next year.
During the first day of IASAS, the boys team started out by defeating Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and the defending champions the TAS Tigers. They started the tournament strong and finished the first day 3-0. The next day they lost to Singapore then had a surprising game losing against Jakarta after.
After the loss against Singapore and Jakarta it forced them to play a third game against Jakarta to continue in the tournament. After beating them they were matched up against Singapore one more time for an early game that they devastatingly lost.
Overall the boys played very well, better than they ever had with coach Stephenson saying that “onlookers would be surprised at how well we played as a team and the results we achieved playing against more experienced and physically bigger teams,” showing that the boys really came into the tournament with a medal mentality.
Although the team was unable to secure a gold, silver, or bronze they got 4th showing the young four sophomore and two freshman IASAS team really has improved compared to last year and they have time to be able to secure us a medal.
On a side note Coach Stephenson wanted us to know that “our two team captains Seung Won Paek and TJ Wilson deserve some recognition for both their level of play and their leadership abilities,” not only that but he also mentions that “they helped those around them feel confident and remain focused on what we were trying to accomplish.”
Without these outstanding captains the team may not have been able to achieve their level of play. Lastly Coach Stephenson says that “This resulted in our team being one of the teams others did not want to face in an elimination game, as we did not fall apart as easily as some of the other teams did,” showing that the team was held together by these great players.
The team played very well considering their extremely young lineup. How do you think they will do at next year’s IASAS? Feel free to comment below.
Lucas Wilson
