Volleyball Takes on the Capitol

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Prior to its three competitions in the Service Academy Challenge, the Army West Point volleyball team had a chance to tour the nation's capitol, meet some key influencers in the Senate and House of Representatives and have friendly interactions with their future competition.

DAY ONE

The team's first stop was outside the steps of the Supreme Court building where they were met by representatives of Pennsylvania Senator, Pat Toomey's office. The Cadets were then taking to the Capitol building for a private tour.

While the team was viewing the Dome, Arkansas Representative Steve Womack offered to take the team to the exclusive Speaker's Balcony. The view from the balcony is one of the best in Washington and overlooks the Washington Monument as well as the reflecting pool.

After that, the team was permitted to sit in the gallery to listen to senators discuss their stances regarding the Iran Deal which will come to a vote shortly.

The Black Knights then held a light practice at the Pentagon. The players went through security amongst the other visitors and were escorted to the athletic center. Employees that were working out during their lunch break, including many Old Grads, stopped by practice to express their excitement for the tournament. Many "Hooahs" were exchanged.

Once practice commenced, the Black Knights were taken on a private tour. The team was taken through the courtyard, which to the Cadets' enjoyment, is a no saluting zone. The tour then led the group to a hallway dedicated to Gen. Douglas McArthur. Many of his accomplishments were displayed, including his U.S. Military Academy apparel and awards. One of the more interesting aspects of this is that the uniform has barely changed in all those years.

In honor of the anniversary of Sept. 11, the tour led the Army team to the memorials of the West Wing that had been crashed into 14 years ago. The Cadets left a small note of comfort in the visitor's book at the indoor memorial, which the families of those lost, can read when seeking comfort.

For dinner, the four teams attending the Service Academy Challenge; Army, Air Force, California-Berkley and Harvard, united for a banquet at a local restaurant. The tables were arranged by class so the teams could interact with their counterparts across the country.

The seniors from each school were asked to introduce themselves and enlighten the group with their majors and plans upon graduation. The group of women, and two male managers, impressed the crowd with plans of their future endeavors.

DAY TWO

Today is competition day! The team had two games this afternoon at the Pentagon, against Air Force and Cal.

This morning, the team sat down to a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel to fuel for today's long day. The Black Knights enjoyed eggs, pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage, fruit and many more delicious options.
After a team meeting to scout the Falcons, the Cadets loaded the bus and drove a very short distance to the entrance of the Pentagon. Today was also September 11, so the mood was more somber and serious when entering since it was the site of one attack 14 years ago.

While the team was warming up for their match they had some very prestigious visitors come by to tell them goodluck and that they were cheering for Army over Air Force.

John M. McHugh, the Secretary of the Army was the first to stop by. He made a point to talk to the entire West Point staff traveling with the team and even offered one of his special coins to a team manager that shared the same home town.

Next to greet the team was Eric K. Fanning, the Acting Under Secretary of the Army. The Black Knights presented both of these Army fans with team shirts and signed volleyballs and they both graciously accepted.

Unfortunately, since the game between Harvard and Cal went to five sets, neither the Secretary or Under Secretary were unable to stay long for the Army-Air Force match because there was a 9/11 Memorial Service.

The game was very close with much back-and-forth action. Air Force took the first two sets, but the Black Knights came back to win the next three. The fans were great for both sides with Go Army and Go Air Force chants to pump up the teams.

Once Army won, the team's respectively stood for each academy's Alma Mater. Both teams chimed in for the infamous "Beat Navy" cheer at the end.

Since the first two games each went to five sets, the team rushed for a late lunch at one of the many Pentagon food courts where they had many options to choose from.

Army was then ready to take on Cal after being refueled and watching Air Force defeat Harvard in three sets.

The Black Knights went up 1-0 before the Bears chipped away to win 3-1. The Cadets had a strong showing against Cal who has 13 players on the roster that measure above six foot. They outblocked Cal 11-5 and only trailed them by two in kills.

After the match both teams were ushered out of the Pentagon since it was after hours. Once we arrived back to the hotel, dinner greeted us in the lobby, which was such a welcoming sight after a long day.

DAY THREE

Today the team went out for breakfast at a local hotspot. We were giving our own dining room which was used as a team meeting space to scout Harvard and go over the game plan after the meal.

After arriving at the Fort Myer Fitness Center, the team had some down time because, what do you know, Air Force and Cal went to five sets. Since there was a jogging track above the volleyball court, the Cadets were able to warm up and watch the match from above. The Falcons won the match 3-2.

Since spectators didn't need prior screening to attend, there were many Old Grads and fans at the Army-Harvard game.

Army and Harvard split the first four sets to force a fifth. The Black Knights were able to outlast the Crimson with back-to-back kills to win the game 3-2.

After the game, the team and the families got lunch at the Pentagon City Mall where there were plenty of choices. The players were able to spend a little more time with their families and could even go shopping if they wanted to, which was the case for most of them.
We then journeyed back to West Point after a great weekend.

For up-to-date information about Army volleyball, please follow @ArmyWP_VB on Twitter and Instagram.

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Volleyball Takes on the Capitol

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