Colorado University Athletics
SULLIVAN'S SPIKES: USA LOSES FIRST MATCH IN POOL PLAY
Welcome to Sullivan's Spikes!
Over the next few weeks U.S. Olympian Erik Sullivan, the newest
member of the Colorado volleyball coaching staff, will give an
insiders perspective on Team USA's quest for a gold medal in mens'
volleyball in Athens. An eight-year veteran of the US
National Team, Sullivan is competing with Team USA in his second
Olympic games.
August 16, 2004
Its the morning after our first pool play match with Italy and
the mood is somber. We played the match with a lot of
intensity and fire but could not seem to find our rhythm. We
never felt comfortable as we had a difficult time passing and
hence, our offense struggled. Despite all that we had a
chance to win the fourth game being up 22-20, but could not sideout
to win the game and force a fifth set.
Now we have to do one of the most difficult things for athletes to
do in big tournaments. We need to put last nights
performance behind us and start focusing on our next match with
Holland. We'll have practice tonight followed with a couple
of hours of video and scouting. If we can find our rhythm and
sideout a little more efficiently we should be alright.