436th MXS remains unbeaten with a clean sweep of the 436th CES

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William Johnson
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Maintenance Squadron is on a path to redemption as they seek to go undefeated and win the volleyball championship after falling short the past two years.

The 436th MXS advanced to 6-0 on the season as they swept the 436th Civil Engineer Squadron 25-16, and 25-22 in an intramural volleyball match May 1, 2014, at the fitness center on Dover Air Force Base, Del.

Lawrence Bortner, 436th MXS player-coach, had three kills and two blocks during game one and said the key to his team's success is good communication and working together as a team.

"Simply put, everybody talks and everybody moves so we just gel together as a team," said Bortner. "If we can keep playing how we are now, I have no doubt we are going to win the playoffs."

In game one, the 436th MXS came out strong and had four service points from Gary Porter, 436th MXS, which included one service ace. The 436th MXS racked up six kills and six aces during game one leading them the easy victory 25-16.

Wayne Birk, 436th MXS, had five service points and said his teamed played fantastically.

"The key to our success is undoubtedly our ability to communicate and make quick decisions during the game," said Birk. "I think the other team played great, but I think they just beat themselves tonight."

Game two started off better for the 436th CES, but the momentum wouldn't last long. They opened up with four service points from Steven Peaper, 436th CES. However, their momentum was quickly killed as Roger Parsons, 436th MXS, made a huge block and added four service points, while getting three kills from Bortner.

The 436th MXS had multiple blocks and gained six points off of bad serves by the 436th CES as they completed the sweep 25-22.

Alex Bechtler, 436th CES player-coach, said his team has struggled this year in the opening games of matches and that is what is costing them victories.

"We haven't won the first game all year and it's killing our momentum going into the second game," said Bechtler "Our opponents played a good game tonight and unfortunately we were not able to match their intensity and focus."

Bortner said his team is playing like champions and they are looking forward to the upcoming playoffs.

"We are going to keep doing what we're doing," said Bortner. "If we play like we our now, it should make for some good competition in the playoffs."