Playing Rockville in the first round of the playoffs was a challenge the Patriots accepted with enthusiasm. Rockville's success this season put them near the top of the standings, but the Patriots were optimistic about their chances against the Rams, having just played them the week before.
On May 7, a 3-1 Rockville victory put the Patriots out of the playoffs and moved Rockville toward the championship match. However (from the 'Small Victories Department"), the Patriots were the only team to have taken a game from the Rams in the playoffs before they eventually lost the championship match to Sherwood.
Patriot seniors Max Hu, Sam Kim, Tim Kim, and Matt Jasnoff can be proud of leading the Patriots into the playoffs and through a season where Wootton was competitive with every team it faced. After the last match against Rockville, Sam gave a concise summary of the season that put everything into perspective. Sam said "I had fun."
So did I.
5.20.2008
5.05.2008
Wootton Clinches Playoff Spot
Patriots finish regular season at 6-6; look to county playoff match on Wednesday, May 7.
One measure of Wootton's success early in the season was it's 5-1 match record. Though the second half of the regular season did not measure up to the first half in terms of wins and losses, the Patriots were able to learn more about how to compete in difficult situations.
With a playoff spot clinched, the Patriots began work on several modifications to its lineup to strengthen several key areas. The last two regular season matches against Blair and Rockville, though both 3-1 losses, gave the Patriots opportunities to think and play more strategically. Blair and Rockville are outstanding teams with seasoned setters and hard hitters, and certainly helped "school" the Wootton boys. We'll see how much was learned as the team prepares for the playoffs.
One measure of Wootton's success early in the season was it's 5-1 match record. Though the second half of the regular season did not measure up to the first half in terms of wins and losses, the Patriots were able to learn more about how to compete in difficult situations.
With a playoff spot clinched, the Patriots began work on several modifications to its lineup to strengthen several key areas. The last two regular season matches against Blair and Rockville, though both 3-1 losses, gave the Patriots opportunities to think and play more strategically. Blair and Rockville are outstanding teams with seasoned setters and hard hitters, and certainly helped "school" the Wootton boys. We'll see how much was learned as the team prepares for the playoffs.
4.27.2008
April 25, 2008: Patriots Pull Rank on Colonels
Wootton defeats Magruder, 25-22, 25-22, 25-21.
Playing in their sixth match in twelve days, the Patriot boys drew on all resources against visiting Magruder. The Patriots were looking to find the physical and mental strength gained from previous matches and an intense Thursday practice. In the end, it was the team's depth that proved to be its greatest asset.
Eray Wang took charge of the Patriot offense in an effort that showed his poise and skill as a setter. Kevin Wong, Richard Fan, and Max Hu led the Wootton attack; Aaron Yee, Mark Yang, Wensheng Wei, and Zhenyang Zhang performed well in utility roles; Eddie Shi continued to show his development as an excellent back row specialist. Tim and Sam Kim made the most of their unusually-limited playing time in the middle. Team tri-captain Rex Hsu demonstrated his leadership skills in a rare bench role.
Highlights:
The Patriots sported a new lineup that demanded each player to make adjustments to his role. Of particular note, senior tri-captain Max Hu stepped into a starting role and raised the team's energy level with his best all-around performance of the season.
The Patriots will need to sustain it's energy level for its remaining matches of the regular season against two of the top teams in the county, Blair and Rockville. The match at Blair on Monday evening, April 28 follows the 5:15 coed match.
Playing in their sixth match in twelve days, the Patriot boys drew on all resources against visiting Magruder. The Patriots were looking to find the physical and mental strength gained from previous matches and an intense Thursday practice. In the end, it was the team's depth that proved to be its greatest asset.
Eray Wang took charge of the Patriot offense in an effort that showed his poise and skill as a setter. Kevin Wong, Richard Fan, and Max Hu led the Wootton attack; Aaron Yee, Mark Yang, Wensheng Wei, and Zhenyang Zhang performed well in utility roles; Eddie Shi continued to show his development as an excellent back row specialist. Tim and Sam Kim made the most of their unusually-limited playing time in the middle. Team tri-captain Rex Hsu demonstrated his leadership skills in a rare bench role.
Highlights:
The Patriots sported a new lineup that demanded each player to make adjustments to his role. Of particular note, senior tri-captain Max Hu stepped into a starting role and raised the team's energy level with his best all-around performance of the season.
The Patriots will need to sustain it's energy level for its remaining matches of the regular season against two of the top teams in the county, Blair and Rockville. The match at Blair on Monday evening, April 28 follows the 5:15 coed match.
4.25.2008
4.24.2008
April 23, 2008: Churchill Blanks Patriots
Patriots fall to 5-4 with loss to Bulldogs, 23-25, 22-25, 19-25
The Wootton boys needed no extra motivation leading up to their match with rival Churchill. In a well-attended match, preceded by a Wootton victory over Churchill in the Coed match, the Patriots and Bulldogs played evenly for the first two games until Churchill's multiple weapons wore down the Patriot resolve in the third game.
The Patriots will compete for the sixth time in 12 days against Magruder at home on Friday evening, April 25.
The Wootton boys needed no extra motivation leading up to their match with rival Churchill. In a well-attended match, preceded by a Wootton victory over Churchill in the Coed match, the Patriots and Bulldogs played evenly for the first two games until Churchill's multiple weapons wore down the Patriot resolve in the third game.
The Patriots will compete for the sixth time in 12 days against Magruder at home on Friday evening, April 25.
4.23.2008
To the Wootton Boys VB Team Parents: Thank You!
A student-athlete's commitment to a team is often supported by dedicated parents. Wootton's boys volleyball team is no exception. This year, team parents have given their time, rearranged their schedules, provided general and technical assistance, and supported the team in valuable ways. Thank you very much for:
- Keeping lines of communication open
- Driving the team to away matches
- Providing words of encouragement
- Photographing each match (Thank you Mrs. & Mr. Yee!)
- Cheering us on
And......everything you do at home to raise a terrific student, volleyball player, and person of character!
4.22.2008
April 21, 2008: Whitman Wall Wrecks Wootton Whacks
Patriots lose to Vikings, 24-26, 25-17, 25-19, 25-27, 10-15; drop to 5-3 for the season.
Two close five game matches in a row...both losses. Time for a primal scream:
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The Vikings put up a strong block and dug many of the Patriots hits for a come-from-behind victory. The good news for the Patriots: Everyone got to play.
Next up: Churchill at home on Wednesday, April 23.
Two close five game matches in a row...both losses. Time for a primal scream:
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
The Vikings put up a strong block and dug many of the Patriots hits for a come-from-behind victory. The good news for the Patriots: Everyone got to play.
Next up: Churchill at home on Wednesday, April 23.
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