Friday, 12 December, 19:30 – Sporthal Steenwijklaan
(The final match of the year, which automatically makes it Important.)
It had been some time since I last coached my ladies—the ones I trained last season—but tradition, like gravity and missed serves, has a way of asserting itself. And so it was that I found myself once more at the helm for the sacred Sovicos Derby: Dames 9 versus Dames 8.
Last year’s encounter is still etched into our collective memory, possibly with a chisel. Therefore, prior to kick-off, I did the only sensible thing and drank a calming cup of tea, because one must face chaos with dignity and a warm beverage.
At approximately half past seven, Referee Merel—calm, composed, and clearly in control of the universe—blew the whistle. And we were off.
Set One: The Unnatural Calm Before the Chaos
Last season, I introduced Dames 9 to positional play, a concept previously regarded with the same suspicion usually reserved for flat-pack instructions. This year, however, the results were visible.
Miraculously, I did not have to shout where people should stand, run, or panic. Everyone already knew. This created an unfamiliar sensation known as calm.
The team served confidently, defended as if their lives (or at least their weekend plans) depended on it, and even produced several genuine attacks, which were unmistakably intentional. The players listened to my advice and attempted to apply it. We lost the set—but in the manner of a team that knows this is merely the opening chapter.
Hope was officially activated.
Set Two: Chaos Finds Its Calling
Set two began with a service run from Katarina so formidable that Dames 8 appeared briefly unsure whether volleyball had recently changed its rules. Position 1 was found, points were scored, and every ball was fought for.
Now, it must be said: chaos is still very much synonymous with Dames 9. But crucially, it is our chaos. We thrive in it.
I shouted, “Keep the pass high!”
They obeyed.
Some passes were so high they encountered the ceiling, but obedience is obedience.
Setter Laure defended like a seasoned professional, while Rachel delivered balls over the net with the enthusiasm of an overexcited Christmas elf distributing presents at dangerous velocity.
Against all expectations (including possibly our own), we won the set: 21–25.
Set Three: Hubris Enters the Building
Set three began suspiciously well. Ten–one up, thanks to services from Katarina and Laure, things felt… easy.
Which, of course, is when the universe intervened.
Dames 8 remembered that they, too, could serve. Panic flickered. A time-out was called. Fruit was eaten. Water was drunk. Deep breaths were taken.
Refreshed and refocused, the passes rose beautifully again. A set to the outside, Jessica placing the ball neatly on position 1, and suddenly everything made sense again.
This, dear reader, is volleyball.
Meanwhile, Isabel dominated the backcourt as a middle, Sara caused havoc from the opposite, and Laure raced around the court like a reindeer possessed by festive spirits and competitive fury.
We fought bravely. Alas, the calm efficiency of Dames 8 proved just enough. The set slipped away: 25–23.
Set Four: One Last Stand
The fourth set began in a manner that can only be described as rude. Where we had once surged ahead, Dames 8 now took the lead. Serve reception briefly became a philosophical debate.
But Dames 9 do not quit.
Ev attacked from the middle, left, and right, while Katarina once again unleashed services of terrifying intent. We closed the gap, fought for every point, and made them work for it.
In the end, the comeback fell just short. The battle was lost—but only narrowly, and certainly noisily.
Epilogue: Growth, Glory, and a Date with Destiny
It was an absolute joy to coach this match. To see how much the team has grown, how they listen—and more importantly, execute—is immensely satisfying. This was a thrilling, competitive derby that could easily have ended with a few more points for Dames 9.
But the story is not over.
27 March.
We do this again.
Bring tea.
Love, Milene
