Team Melanie downs America's Team in intramural volleyball Published Aug. 28, 2008 By John Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The intramural volleyball action has heated up at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center. On Aug 18, Team Melanie defeated previously undefeated America's Team 25-16, 23-18, 21-17 and 22-19. The first game of the first match was a tight affair as both sides exchanged points. The game was tied at 5-5 before Team Melanie took command. Consecutive service aces by outside hitter Travis Martin and three spikes by Lawrence Peterson helped Team Melanie surge to 13-7 lead. The surge continued as Team Melanie outscored their opponent 12-9 for the remainder of the game to secure a 25-16 game one victory. "We were able to serve well and keep the ball in play and take advantage of our scoring chances," said Peterson, coach of Team Melanie. The second game was a tighter game than the first. Neither side was able to take an advantage thus the game was tied at 9-9 at the midway point of game two. The pivotal portion of game two was when Peterson and Martin took over the play at the net. This resulted as they combined for six spikes and three blocks giving Team Melanie a hard fought 23-19 victory in game two. The second match between these two perennial Tinker volleyball powerhouses was a mirror image of the first match. The high powered serving of Martin and the timely hitting by Peterson and stellar defense by Mel Kindhardt enabled Team Melanie to control game one of the second match en route to a 21-17 victory. The second game proved to be a tight one with America's Team outside hitter Joe Matthew and Coombi providing a lift and giving their side an early 8-4 advantage. Team Melanie slowly climbed back into the match as Kindhardt delivered six consecutive service points to give her side a 10-8 lead. The scoring from both sides continued into the latter stages of game two as Coombi and Matthew were hitting spike after spike. Peterson and Martin matched their opponents at every turn. As the buzzer sounded Team Melanie was able to eke a victory and take two matches from America's Team. "There are no excuses, they came to play and with determination and played like it was their last game. They won without adversity. My hats off to Team Melanie," said Coombi. The victory by Team Melanie improved their record to 2-2 and the loss by America's Team dropped them to 2-2 on the season.