Teams from Tsingdao, Shenzen, Xiamen, Tianjin, Beijing and finally Shanghai all competed for finals spots on the Saturday afternoon.  Our preparation before the tournament was a work in progress and we soon discovered on entering the gymnasium at TEDA international school, that we might struggle with the high level of this year’s competition.  The team under captain Dan Reeves quickly ascertained that realistic goals would be the best approach.  Winning a set for this tournament would be something realistic and attainable.

Our first game against the IQS was a quick and swift loss that had the potential to rip out any confidence the BISS boys had entering the competition with.  However after the game, the team assembled and took part in a share circle where everyone in the team contributes and equally important everyone in the team listens.  Positives were high lighted; things we could work on were suggested.

The second game against TEDA the hosts of the tournament proved rewarding and the boys pushed the game to the 3rd set to win, winning score in the 3rd 13-15 to BISS. Initially the 3rd set was looking to be our second loss at 5-13.  An amazing and exhilarating come back from behind to take the match.  There was a real shift in the team’s energy at this point.

Our next match against a highly skilled XIS team was one of those matches where BISS, as a team felt we surpassed our own expectations, however the score did not reflect this and we suffered our second loss to XIS from Xiamen.

Our fourth and final game of a very busy Friday was against SIS from Shenzen.

This was yet another point of change where the tides turned and the boys really discovered that they could play and compete, when they won the first set, then going to lose the 2nd, but then to take the 3rd and the match coming back from a 11-13 deficit.  Another truly amazing come back.  The team was on a real high, surpassing all of their own expectations.  The boys planned an early night to rest and prepare for YCIS from Beijing the following morning.  8am start.  First game up!

Success was the order of the day straight after a light breakfast of fruit and the boys applied everything they had so far learnt in the tournament.  Focusing on 5 point bursts, the boys took the game in 2 sets, our first convincing win, sending wonderment and amazement through to the other teams.  This win meant that we were sitting 3rd in the Tournament placing and would go to semi-finals.

The team was pumped and mentally preparing, unfortunately the outcome of the draw on points differentiation scheduled us against IQS, a team who had not only beaten us in the first game, but had so far won all their matches, only given up one set, and were the team to take the title in waiting.  Once again quick and swift comes to mind to describe what happened, however a key difference this time round was our team.  They assembled, discussed, and got over it, as soon as it happened and went onto prepare for a match against XIS.

This game taught our boys that tournament volleyball takes as much physical preparation as mental: the noise of the gym, our level of fitness, our lack of experience in finals matches was unfortunately took its toll.  We unfortunately did not take 3rd place, we were to return to Shanghai winning 4th.

In hindsight, and after yet again, our final team share circle, it was in actual fact the end of a very successful campaign on reflection.  Tom Carr’s blocking game surprised himself, Maxine Fontaine's court coverage relentless as setter, Johnny and Tolga forever the optimists picking our boys up, Henri slashing spikes, Jack's crucial winning serves, big Sam Toner's power attack, Jonas's constant positive energy and wise consultation, and finally Dan Reeves staunch competitive motivation, all proved the makings of a volleyball team to be reckoned with.

The boys were all extremely happy with all they had achieved, and the realisation that winning is one thing, but all the many other positives that came with the over all journey of ‘Tournament Volleyball’ needed to be considered.  The memories of our team bonding together, strategically beating higher skilled teams through playing to our game plan, doing the best as a team, showing the other International Schools the BISS ‘Never give up’ attitude.  These young men returned proud, battle worn, but motivated for next year’s preparation for the ACAMIS Volleyball tournament in 2011.

In Maori they say ‘KIA KAHA NGA TANE’ – Stand strong and be proud men.

Coach Tony Halalilo, Captain Dan Reeves