For the past few weeks, Tuesday nights at SNU have been filled with competitive sand volleyball. From bumping, setting, and spiking to friendly competition, intramural volleyball has brought students together and built community.
Although the league is meant to be fun and the prize is only a t-shirt, the competition has become increasingly more intense.
The tournament will be single elimination, with all 18 teams seeded based on their performance during the preseason. The team with the best record will receive the No. 18 seed. However, even the No. 18 seed still has a chance to win it all.
Each volleyball match consists of three sets. The first two sets are played to 21 points, while the final set is played to 15. Teams can score on every play, and the team that wins the point serves the next play. Six players are on the sand at a time, with servers rotating whenever a team regains the serve.
One team looking to make a run in the tournament is the “Flash Fighters.” Their captain, sophomore Gabe Rush, believes that the team has what it takes to compete for the championship.
“I think we have a chance at winning if we decide to lock in and trust each other through communication,” he commented.
For Rush, team chemistry could be the key to making that happen. While the “Flash Fighters” have the skill to compete, he thinks communication is an area the team needs to improve.
When asked who he thinks could increase the competition, Rush noted, “Kobie’s team is a good challenge because both him and Dillon can rack up a lot of points.”
With 18 teams competing, the tournament could be anyone’s to win. The difference between a championship run and an early exit may come down to more than individual skill. For the “Flash Fighters” and the rest of the league, communication, teamwork, and the ability to compete under pressure could determine who takes home the t-shirt.
Intramural volleyball takes place Tuesdays from 6-10 p.m. Students are encouraged to come watch and support the teams as they compete for the championship.
Photo provided by: SNU Creative