03/08/2023
Championship re-cap:
What a dramatic end to a fiery season to start 2023! The final four teams going in were no surprise as they have all been dominant the past several seasons. The action began as court one featured #1 Sets on the Beach taking on #4 Grateful Diggs. Sets came out focused and methodical, firing on all cylinders and playing nearly error free ball. Diggs did their best to keep up, but in the end- it was all SOB as they put up an impressive 3-0 win to advance to the finals. Shout out to an awesome ‘Diggs team; they’re still tweaking the roster each season and remain ultra-competitive. Their veteran players set the standard for sportsmanship in the league and they’re always a fun challenge to any opponent.
On court #2- #3 Pitted gave #2 Misfits everything they could in a long, grueling 55 minute dual. Pitted played their hearts out, but a few too many internal miscues left the door open for the offensive juggernaut in Misfits. Many long volleys were had as Pitted covered the sand like a blanket but Misfits slowly and surely whittled away their defenses until they were the last team standing. In a marathon match; Misfits advanced to dethrone the defending champs and earn their way to another finals. The back-to-back defending champs put on another great showing this season but the influx of new competition is fierce, and Pitted will need to adapt their play to stay competitive in the evolving league. As they enter the off-season we all wish the best for Nicole and Russ as they get ready to welcome their new baby to the world!
He 7pm games set the stage and the first champion contenders of 2023 were set- #1 Sets on the Beach Vs #2 Misfits. A lot had changed in the 3 months since SOB defeated Misfits 3-0 to open the season, and Misfits were looking to not only avenge that opening week defeat, but earn their first title in team history. SOB started with the ball and took an early lead as the teams went through a feeling out period to start the match. Game action intensified with some long volleys, hard hits and great defense from both squads but SOB seemed to be in control, taking the first set by a few. Misfits came firing back in set 2. Mid way through the match, SOB held a slim lead and were looking for a potential sweep reminiscent of week 1, however a disputed call led to a re-play and gave Misfits a chance to regroup. Misfits came back on fire and took the second set 15-13. The sleeping giant was awoken as Red Team started with the ball. Serving ace Amber fired off point, after point, after point to secure an unprecedented league record 15-0 serving run/shut-out! The momentum was all SOB at this point, but the Misfits were not ready to give in. SOB came out of the gate a little lackadaisical and Misfits pounced. SOB fought their way back into the match and the squads fought hard with the Misfits ultimately tying up the series. A long, intense night got even longer as the Championships were going to game 5. SOB started off 4-1 before another stoppage in play due to controversial calls. After what felt like an eternity; the game resumed. From that point forward; Misfits deployed a line-up that gave them the advantage. Lead by the precision ball placement of Zack at the net; Misfits rattled off a plethora of unanswered points, catching SOB off guard and unable to adjust. By the time SOB was able to force the side-out, the damage was done. Misfits held the advantage 13-11. Curtis entered the game to serve for SOB- known to be arguably the best server on the team, Curtis- (playing admirably through fresh injury and bandaged extensively) aced his first serve bringing the game to 12-13… Misfits were able to field the ensuing serve and catch SOB defenders creeping up to the net. Misfits shot a ball deep forcing an errant return by SOB that never made it back to the net. Blue team lined up to serve game point, with a chance to earn their first Championship in team history- the serve was up and play ensued; Misfits went to the deep well once again catching SOB cheating in. A perfectly placed strike in the deep corner crowned the #2 Misfits as the 2023 Treasure Coast Social Sports winter league Champions! Couldn’t ask for a more entertaining, hard-fought contest to end the season. Congrats to the Misfits on their well-earned title victory, and a huge thank you for the players who reffed!
Registration for the Spring season is open for returning Captains/Players- general registration will open towards the end of March. Sign-up now at www.citykickball.com to secure your place for the upcoming season. The league will evaluate expansion depending on registration demand, so there may be 9pm games added to the summer schedule to accommodate additional teams. Stay tuned for registration news/announcement from your league manager Kevin coming tonight/tomorrow. Thanks everyone for another fun season!
-K-