Chiefs dine on plucked Eagles

  • Published
  • By Airman Anthony Jennings
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Chiefs plucked the Eagles 2-0 in a best-of-three volleyball tournament during the first match of the Chiefs vs. Eagles Multi-Sport Tournament held March 2 at the Fitness Center. 

The tournament pits Eglin's chief master sergeants against colonels in volleyball, softball, golf and basketball. Competitions last year ended with a draw as the Chiefs took volleyball and basketball, but the Eagles won golf and softball throughout the year. 

"We are more prepared for softball and look to take home the trophy this year," said William Russell, Chiefs' coach, a 96th Logistics Readiness Squadron chief master sergeant. "Last year, we won basketball and volleyball. I'm confident we'll continue to win this year ... they can have golf." 

The first match proved to be anticlimactic with the Chiefs dominating the contest.
In the second game, the Eagles regrouped and bounced back. Though the Chiefs got off to an early 4-0 lead, the Eagles evened it up 8-8 with spot-on serves and several kills. Arnold Bunch, Air Armament Center vice commander, demonstrated the Eagles grit with valiant dives to keep the ball in play. 

"First, I was diving because I don't move as fast as I did in my younger days and diving was the only option I had," Bunch said. "Second, I am more than a little competitive and absolutely hate to lose, so diving seemed like the right thing to do. The soreness afterwards now makes me question that logic." 

Penalties like stepping on or over the serving line, as well as touching the net proved costly for the Eagles. As a result, the Chiefs were able to capitalize. 

"Outstanding teamwork," Russell said. "We made a clean sweep with good volleys and textbook serves." 

Once the Chiefs broke the 20-point mark, the Eagles pushed to tie the game, scoring four points consecutively, bringing the score to 18-22. But the Chiefs finished strong ending the game, 25-19. 

"The game was a lot of fun and I hope the spectators enjoyed watching the base's 'senior statesmen' rumble around the floor," Bunch said. "The Chiefs played a great set of games, so I congratulate them on their well deserved win."

"We really appreciate the camaraderie, sportsmanship, and competitiveness of our colonels for helping us to promote teamwork and physical fitness," Russell said.

The Chiefs vs. Eagles tournament moves to the softball field at the East Gate Shoppette April 24.