436th MXS squeaks by 436th OG

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Chuck Walker
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Maintenance Squadron volleyball team had a tough time adjusting to the absences of Gary Porter, one of their top players, due to an annual tour with the reserves.

Luckily for them it did not cost them the match as they came back to defeat the 436th Operations Group 15-25, 25-21 and 15-11 on May 7, 2012, at the Fitness Center on Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Eric Heyden and Emmanuel Perez helped lead the way for the 436th MXS, providing solid hitting, serving and setting to move the 436th MXS to 11-2 on the season.

"We lost a key player and were adjusting to a new player who was a big difference in size and skill level," said Eddie Alesana, 436th MXS player-coach. "After Game 1 we were able to adjust and come back. "

Early on in the match, it looked as though the 436th OG (5-8) would be able to pull off the upset.

With the score 16-14 in favor of the 436th OG in Game 1, Jeremy Gerberick served six consecutive service points to give the 436th OG a commanding 22-14 lead after which they cruised to victory.

In Game 2, the 436th MXS was able to get some solid hitting from Heyden and hold on for the 25-21 victory.

That set up the deciding game in Game 3, where Heyden slammed home five kills as Perez added three. The 436th MXS won the match 15-11.

The ability of Heyden to start getting hits to come down inbounds after early struggles was key to the 436th MXS being able to pull off the comeback.

"At first I was just swinging and I wasn't really focused," Heyden said. "Then I started getting more confidence in my swings and able to get my hits down and help the team get a win."

436th OG player-coach Chelsea Weller said she was proud of her team's performance despite the loss.

"Game 1 was awesome, we were really impressive," Weller said. "We came out of nowhere. I think we were really strong. I think we will do well in the playoffs."

Alesana said his team's cohesiveness is why the team has been successful and why they can make a run once the playoffs begin.

"We are all friends off the volleyball court," Alesana said. "So it hurts us more when we are not there for each other. I think our team is example of when being friends off the court is a good benefit."