823rd MXS sets spike to win Published Sept. 17, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Rachel Loftis 99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- After battling through an eight-week volleyball season and outlasting 15 other teams, the 823rd Maintenance Squadron defeated the 99th Medical Group to claim the 2014 Intramural Volleyball Championship title at the Warrior Fitness Center here Sept. 12. The championship game was set to start at 6:30 p.m., however, an hour before the championship game, the 823rd MXS had to beat the 99th Medical Surgical Operations Squadron to advance out of the consolation bracket and into the championship. After an intense 45-minute semi-final game, the 823rd MXS prevailed and was set as the 99th MDG's opponent in the championship. The championship consisted of an unprecedented six matches. The original concept of the championships was the team that won two out of three matches would win the title. The 823rd MXS changed the concept by winning the first two matches, giving the 99th MDG its first loss in the winners' bracket, which forced another three games to decide the base championship. During the final round of three games, each team managed to win one game each, leaving one final game as the deciding factor. As the intensity levels ratcheted up even more, it all came down to who would tire out first. The game was filled with intense action as each team pulled out all the stops, rebounding balls off the wall to keep them in play, high-speed spikes, and constant diving to keep the game going. "The 823rd MXS had been playing since 5:30 p.m., however, they've been using cold relief spray [on their joints] and muscle rollers [for relief] and really anything to stay alive," said Nelson Jellison, Warrior Fitness Center volleyball scorekeeper. Throughout the final game, the 823rd MXS began to set out as many powerful spikes as they could, leaving the 99th MDG to constantly block at the front of the net, leaving an opening on the back half of the court¬ to score points. The 99th MDG caught on to the strategy, but it was too late to catch on as the 823rd MXS won the final game 25 to 20 with a final spike. "My team, they did great. We came in with a strong team. We fought hard and everything worked out well," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Campbell, 823rd MXS support section chief. After witnessing another successful game to cap off the 2014 intramural volleyball season, Larry Bridges, 99th Force Support Squadron Warrior Fitness Center sports director, said volleyball is a great way for Airmen to play hard and count on each other as members of a team. "Overall, the season was a great success. There were more participants this year, as well as a lot more squadron support," said Bridges. "The teams did great. They gave it their all and showed a great amount of camaraderie." To sign up for the league or for more information on the intramural sports program, contact the Warrior Fitness Center at 702-652-4891.
