102-104…again
28 February 2010
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We are 11 and 7 and 5 of the 7 losses came in 5 sets. Of the 7 losses, only 1 match I can remember did a team actually “beat” us…the others were all matches that were lost on “our” side of the net (by our own mistakes). Up to this point, I have tried to remain upbeat and spin things in a positive light. But in my short time on THE NET LIVE co-hosting with Barney, Geeter and Dan, I have come to realize that its the truth that people are interested in. Not a series of neatly crafted cliches. Otherwise how can I expect anyone to read it?
With that said, am I concerned about our team??? YES! It is March and there has not been the kinda of growth you hope for when a team is together for 6-7 months. This team has yet to grow into the expectations that were placed on it at the beginning of the season. I repeat a sentiment I shared in an earlier post…that winning is not a “right” and its not something that can be bought. If that were the case, the Dallas Cowboys and NY Yankees would be World Champs every year. You cannot “buy” a great team. You buy asset..players and coaches and those assets will hopefully fit together and form a cohesive unit with the strength of the whole being stronger than any individual part. We have every reason as a club and organization to have the goal of success in the Russian Championship. However, that is no easy feat. At this point we win sets and eventually matches when we SERVE well. There is no other aspect of our game that we consistently good at. As a result, you see the erratic ups and downs from one game to the next. Everything that this club, this city and our players want is within reach…but it is going to take more. More of everything on every level…players and coaches a like. Winning doesn’t just happen…its earned..fought for on a DAILY basis.
As for me, I will be re-watching the match tonight trying to identify ways I need to be better.
