Delavan-Darien @ Martin Luther
Sept. 12

Before the match all starters from the visitors shook my hand. (Ladder official). Coach Elizabeth Kohn, (visiting head coach) disagreed with a no call. She thought a return hit the ceiling. She asked my floor partner what she saw. I called my partner over, but she said she did not see. I then called line judges over. The home line judge, the freshman home coach, said the ball hit the ceiling. This call went against the home team. Good sportsmanship there. I called for a replay and the visiting coach was okay with this. The visiting coach had questioned an over-the-net attack (not called) on the home team. Between sets, I explained to her what I saw and why I made no call. She thanked me for the explanation. When the match was completed and we were leaving, the visiting captain came over and shook our hands and thanked us. The visitors lost in five sets. Thank you from defeated teams are gratifying. Martin Luther’s Coach Kelsey was pleasant throughout a tight match. Just a few small gestures can, and do, make for a good atmosphere.

Reporting Official:  Dale Laabs