The Beginning of an Era

The winning dynasty of the Horne-Hopper beach volleyball tandem has officially begun...

As planned, this morning around 11:00 Jason and I met up with Eric, Jenn(his wife), Frank, Kimi(his girlfriend), and Colin at this court we had never played on. Eric knew this place had one, and since it was close to his house, it seemed the logical choice. The weather was perfect: sunny, 89 degrees, and not at all humid. The court was the best we have played on here; the sand was soft and deep, the net was the correct height, and the wood border around the court was several yards from the playing area, which reduces chances of a bad accident.

Here are the game-by-game results, with notes as needed:

Game 1: Eric(Maeir)/Colin(Peterson) VS Horne/Hopper
Set 1: Maeir/Peterson 23-21
Set 2: Horne/Hopper 21-14
Set 3: Horne/Hopper 21-18
Notes...Jason and I were sloppy at the start, but we soon began to regain our form. We completely slaughtered them the 2nd set. The 3rd set was closer, but we played some of our best yet.

Game 2: Frank(Lafuente)/Peterson VS Horne/Hopper
Set 1: Horne/Hopper 15-10
Notes...Frank arrived after the first game, so we just decided to switch out and play short games to 15. Jason and I had the best rally and best bump-set-spike combo this game.

Game 3: Lafuente/Maeir VS Horne/Hopper
Set 1: Horne/Hopper 15-13
Notes...Even as the other team got to rotate their players and remain fresh, Jason and I still owned.

Game 3: Horne/Peterson VS Hopper/Lafuente
Set 1: Hopper/Lafuente 15-13
Notes...Wanting to break up the dynasty and allow others to win, the guys suggested Jason and I switch teams. We complied, with Jason and Frank narrowly taking the win. Colin and I had a 14-11 lead, but I was responsible for the final points they scored.

Game 4: Horne/Peterson/Maeir VS Jennifer(Maeir)/Lafuente/Hopper
Set 1: Horne/Peterson/Maeir 15-11
Notes...When everyone was finally there, we played a final game of 3 vs 3(2 vs 2 is the only way I like to play, but it was fun nonetheless). Me and the boys from ODIN breezed through the game(yes, I know that is incorrect grammar)

Afterwards, Eric suggested we all head to the pool in his neigborhood. Considering we were exhausted, drenched with sweat, and covered in sand, this was a no-brainer. The pool was pretty neat, with 3 different sections, one being this really really really cool area with fountains and slides all over. The pool time was extremely relaxing, and it was cool to just hang out with everyone. I think we stayed there for abou 2 hours.

Needless to say I got tons of sun today...maybe too much, haha.

We did bring our cameras today, but the pictures aren't that hot. I mean, if you REALLY want to see them, then email or IM me. All the really good action shots are from far off(Kimi did most of the photography), and the close shots are just of us standing there, waiting to receive the ball.

Plans are a GO for the Avalanche game in Dallas. We are going to drive there, and probably take a 3 or 4 day weekend. Not only is the hockey game going on that weekend, but the Cowboys are playing Philly, and the State Fair(which I hear is tons of fun) will be up and running as well. I cannon wait...

It'll be hard to go to work tomorrow, but oh well. I gotta earn that dough some how :)

-H