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380AEW Article

CE edges out FP in volleyball finals

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Garcia
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The 380th Expeditionary Force Support Squadron held its intramural volleyball play-offs at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia Sept. 30, 2013. Team CEX/CEF, from the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, and team FP1, from the 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron played against each other during the championship game. In a close match, CEX/CEF narrowly edged out their opponent to take the title.

"It feels really good to win," said Wesley Farber, CEX/CEF head coach. "Everyone came together and played the best ball we have played as a team."

Getting to the finals was no easy feat for either team. Although CEX/CEF had a bye for the first round, they had to play two games without rest to make it to the finals. FP1 had the third best record of the season and delivered an upset victory over the number two ranked team to reach the championship round.

The first set of the final game started out with each team being equally matched. Both teams had a considerable amount of talent that allowed neither team to dominate.

Midway through the first set CEX/CEF caught a break, went on a strong rally, mustered up a seven point run and gained a 21-14 lead.
Not to be counted out FP1 rallied together and brought the score within two points. In danger of losing the lead, CEX/CEF answered back with a four point run winning the first set 25-19.

The second set started almost like the first, neither team was able to gain more than one point on the other. Midway through the set CEX/CEF led by 8-7. During a long volley an injured Farber had to be temporarily removed from the game. Not wanting to let their coach down the team went on a four-point run. FP1 answered back and eventually tied the game.

"They're a hard team to break down," said Farber. "When they get ahead they have the ability to stay ahead."

Throughout the second half of the second set, both teams were in a face-off, neither team could string together multiple points for a commanding lead. FP1 briefly took the lead but a net violation tied the game at 23-23, it was either team's game. After a long volley CEX/CEF came out on top and was one point away from becoming the champions. On the final serve a bad pass by FP1 cost them the game.

"It was a hard earned victory by the CEX/CEF team," said J Arce, referee for the final game. "The fact it was only a two-set match can't take away just how close the match truly was."