Drama in the Semis

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This one will be short and quick but i thought everyone should know whats going on. We played Friday night for a chance to go to the finals. Our opponent was the only team that we had not beaten and the guys had a bad history of falling apart against them. Diego and I had talked before the match and came to the conclusion that it was going to be up to us if we were to win. The first set went to us mainly because of Diego's play. The second set was a sea-saw battle and when the score hit 19-19 Diego went up for a block and came down hard on the opponents foot. He immediately collapsed and began to yell in pain. I have been around this sport for a long time now and i knew as soon as i heard him that it was bad. He was on the ground surrounded by trainers for about 20 mins before he got off the court and the game continued. Im not sure if everyone heard but the guys on the team rely almost entirely on Diego in one way or another. there was a game when i first got here when Diego pulled a muscle in his back and the team pretty much collapsed and lost to an easy opponent. Truthfully i thought the same would happen after this injury as well.

We were able to some how finish the second set on top but i did not think we would be able to win an entire set from zero without Diego. In a back and fourth game with alot of mistakes and good plays on both sides we were able to take the victory and lock up our spot in the finals. everyone was jumping up and down and hugging because its the first time the team has ever made it to the finals. It was nice to be apart of it all and im excited to play for the championship even though its going to be tough with out Diego. if we win i will get a nice bonus but either way the team is happy which makes everything alot easier.

I also check the papers everyday after the game and there was a really nice picture of me on the front of one of the sports sections. I have no idea what the article said, because its all in Arabic, but it was cool to see.

We found out that Diego's foot is not broken but he may have torn some ligaments and is going to be done for a while. He's in good spirits and is just bummed about not being able to play and run around. He will be fine though so thats good news. thats all for now.

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Photos

Front Page
This is the picture that was on the front page. I showed the people at a coffee shop i frequent and they were more excited then i was. I also got a little bit better service too.

Diego
I've seen my fair share of ankle sprains but this one was by far the worst. I know his foot was dislocated because i saw it snap back into place a few seconds after he fell. GROSS!!!

Of Course
The photographers love putting in plays of mistakes. Here you can see classic bad hitting form and the result. In actuality im more worried about landing one our middles than i am of hitting the ball. I have had a few pretty close calls in practice and its safe to say "once bitten twice shy"

Redemtion
Im glad one of the papers put this picture in. A little bit better on the form but the middle still hasnt improved any.

A Little Fired Up
I know i look a little pissed but im just the next server.

Celebration
dont try to find me in this one, but this was the scene after we won.