intramural volleyball

Antonio Chaviano, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron volleyball team, hits a ball over the net during an intramural volleyball game May 13, 2014, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Del. With the win, LRS has moved into first place in the American League. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia)

intramural volleyball

Benjamin Sperring, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron volleyball team, attempts to poke a ball past two defenders during an intramural volleyball game May 13, 2014, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Del. LRS, who had previously lost to the combined 436th/736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron team, avenged their only loss of the season. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia)

intramural volleyball

Russ Lowery, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron volleyball team, dives for a ball during an intramural volleyball game May 13, 2014, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Del. The 436th LRS handed the 436th/736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron its first loss of the season. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia)

intramural volleyball

Antonio Chaviano, 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron volleyball team, spikes a volleyball past two defenders during an intramural volleyball game May 13, 2014, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Del. LRS defeated the 436th/736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 25-19 and 25-12. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia)

436th LRS exacts revenge on AMXS in volleyball

Published May 14, 2014
By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Delaware -- In sports, revenge is sweet. Just ask the 436th Logistics Readiness Squadron volleyball team.

The 436th LRS defeated the 436th/736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron 25-19 and 25-12 in an intramural volleyball match May 12, 2014, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

The victory enabled the 436th LRS to exact revenge on the only team it had lost to this season. It also comes at a most opportune time, when both teams are preparing for the playoffs.

Benjamin Sperring, 436th LRS player-coach, had two kills and two blocks during game one and said his team rallied together and played a solid game in earning the sweep.

"I think the other team played well tonight, but we really wanted this win tonight and that's what we did," said Sperring. "It's nice to even the odds with AMXS team as we go into the playoffs."

Issai Arias, 436th LRS, was the key to victory in game one. Arias had multiple blocks and three kills in game one as well as serving three aces.

"We really stepped up tonight and pulled of the win," said Arias. "It's going to be important for us to continue to play how we did tonight, that way if we meet this team again in the playoffs we can get another win."

Game two started out with 436th/736th AMXS coming hot out of the gates as it opened with a five service point run that included three aces. The 436th LRS were caught off guard and were forced to take a time out.

"We had to take the time out to get reset and refocused," said Sperring. "But we were able clear our confusion and bounce back and get ahead."

After the timeout, the 436th LRS went on a six-service point run and took the lead 6-5. Feeding off the momentum, the 436th LRS would continue to have huge service point runs including one for seven points followed immediately by one for six points which ultimately lead to the 25-12 victory that sealed the match the 436th LRS.

Jason Jones, 436th/736th AMXS player-coach, said small mistakes are what hurt his team.

"We got caught sleeping," said Jones. "The other team played well and basically beat us at what is normally our game."

Sperring said his team is looking forward to their next game and tonight's win was a big motivational booster.

"There was phenomenal professionalism and integrity shown by both teams," said Speering. "I hope we get to see each other again in the playoffs."