Missouri State volleyball junior-to-be Ashley Mason is currently in participating in the USA Volleyball Open National Championships as part of the National A2 Program. Mason will be checking in with MissouriStateBears.com periodically from Columbus, Ohio, where the event runs through July 4.
July 5
Well Gold finished with a silver medal after dropping their final three sets to the comeback kids (from pool play) White. This has been an AMAZING experience and I am so blessed to have been apart of it. I have made many new friends and coaches along the way as well as memories I could never forget. Thank you to everyone who helped make my trip possible and all of my Bear family for your support!!
I'm coming back ready to start some camps but really thinking.. hurry up August!! Is it season yet?!
GO BEARS!!
July 2
We have internet back! Yesterday was an interesting one for sure. We lost power yet again, but when it came back we had internet so maybe it was on purpose. After our match we stayed to watch the first set of Red vs Blue and intended on leaving after that set. As we were about to exit we caught a glimpse of a huge sign that said, "Will you marry me?" intended for one of the Red team players. I went to talk to the young man holding the sign and gave him a high five when he told me he was going to ask one of our setters after the match. Naturally we all got excited and Gold decided to stay for the end of match to watch this life-changing event happen! After the match was over we were extremely antsy walking around trying to get the best visual of her face when it all went down. Unfortunately.. there was one part he forgot to mention.. it was a JOKE! We were all pretty bummed and headed back to campus just a little disappointed haha.
In the way more important news:
Now to catch you up to today.. the semifinals! Yesterday Gold beat team White 2-1 in a match that set us up as the two seed to play the three seed in the semis Tuesday. Depending on how that match ends up we could be playing for Gold Wednesday! This match will be a full 3 out of 5 match. Not sure who ended up with the #3 seed but it very well could go 5! Looking forward to a great match and another day to play!
Loving every minute here in Ohio.
Go Bears!!
July 1
Hello Bear fans!
Today gold went 3-0 against USA white!! We played really well and led most of the way. Our passing and serving kept us ahead in the match for sure. Tonight we are headed out to the movies for some gold team bonding and tomorrow back in the gym to prepare for team red!
Go Bears!
June 30
So right after our practice started yesterday afternoon a huge storm rolled in knocking out power to campus, the gym and about half of the city of Columbus! We were out of practice for about 15 minutes but then the lights came back on. The cafeteria continues to be out of power and our meals are being served in an alternative spot! The dorms regained power quickly but our internet is shot so i am blogging from my phone now.. Gotta love technology! Anyways...
Today gold took on blue in a tough fought three set pool play match. We play three regardless of outcome (until the semis). We lost the first two sets 23-25, 23-25 and won the third 25-21. We fought hard the whole way just made too many errors at the end. Tomorrow we regroup, watch some film and head to the gym for an 11:30 match against white! Or red.. I can't remember now :)
June 29
Today has been an exciting and eventful day! This morning teams were chosen for our competition that begins tomorrow at 2:30 at the Columbus Convention Center. With 48 athletes they made 4 teams of 12 known as teams red, white, blue and gold. I made team Gold and we are pretty pumped to have gotten the name as it reflects our goal for the event!
After our first full practice with our team we headed over to the St. Stephens Community Center where we met 80 energetic kids who were eager to learn some volleyball. After some introductions we taught them to pass, set and attack. They caught on quickly and were showing us their jump setting skills in no time. We ended our visit with a little play and an autograph session. It felt great to see the excitement on the kids faces and to be there representing Team USA. This evening team Gold has one more practice from 4:30-6:00 so I better go. I'll keep you updated on how competition is going tomorrow!
GO BEARS!
June 27
Hello Bear Family!
I am officially settled into my dorm (flashback to freshman year!) for my nine day journey with the US A2 program and all I can say so far is WOW. My suitemates are super nice and they play for Tennessee, Michigan State and Stanford. After a long day of travel yesterday we arrived to find bags full of goodies (aka gear) with our names on them. Let me tell you, it's an extremely humbling experience to open up your bag and find two jerseys with the letters "USA" on the back. I am extremely excited to be here and for what's ahead. Today we had our first full day of practices with two 2 ½ hour sessions; one in the morning and one in the afternoon. They went pretty well overall! Hopefully we will break up into our teams and start training for competition tomorrow!
All for now,
GO BEARS!
