Victory for GVK

21 January 2015

GVK at the Top

A tough year in the elite series, but not all is lost for GVK. Two players currently rank amongst the league's top-eight blockers.

Åkerlund (7) and Larsson (2) block against Hylte/Halmstad

Gislaved currently sits in eighth place with 13 points in the Swedish Elite League. A repeat of last year's successful season seems impossible. The match performances this season have been inconsistent. Despite well-implemented actions against top team in points, most matches offer mediocre performance. A review of statistics for the top division gives a hint that GVK's players have not succeeded so well, but there is one exception.

Block Party

In the category "Best blocker" is Lisa Tannerfalk in fifth place with 34 block points, while teammate Joyce Akerlund is in eighth place with 30 block points. The coach Dick Runesson comment duo's effort: "Honestly, our blocking game was a little shaky in the beginning of the season. But it has taken more and more and the timing has improved. To block a quick way to earn points."

The Center Lisa Tannerfalk tend to occasionally check the statistics and know roughly how she stands. "It's always fun if [you] are at the top of any statistical category. I have my own individual goals that I focus on and like most middles, that is blocking."

Anything Can Happen

This season has been sluggish, to no surprise of the 24-year-old. The team is largely new, and therefore have the realistic goals to reach the playoffs.

Tannerfalk (9) and Sherman (6) block against Lindesberg

"I think we play good considering the conditions. We are pretty happy with how we've performed against the top teams. Now we try to have a good second part of the season. Overall, we have done well and when we get to the playoffs, anything can happen, as we have shown earlier seasons."

Not Satisfied

What do you think of your season?

"A little up and down. Some games I'm happy with when I have been able to help the team. But there are games where I'm not satisfied, where the team as a whole does not reach our level and where we do not show the fight to win," says Tannerfalk.

On Saturday Gislaved meets Lindesberg at home.

24 January 2015

Dyakiewicz Returns - GVK Wins

GVK brought entertainment on Saturday beating 3rd-ranked Lindesberg.

FINAL SCORE: Gislaved 3, Lindesberg 1 (25-21, 20-25, 25-20, 26-24). 

In their previous meeting, the match was 3-0 to Lindesberg. During Saturday's Elite League match in Gislaved, results were different.

GVK came out completely focused and took command directly. Lindesberg’s go-to player Marjorie Giordano was unnoticed. GVK served well and Giordano was unable to get into her usual groove.

Tied 1-1 after two sets, which could just as easily have been 2-0 to GVK. The teams were tied at 20-20, but Lindesberg edged out the win over a passive Gislaved team.

The home team rebounded out of the 10-minute break fully focused, securing the next two sets and thus the match with 3-1.

“[This was an] incredibly important victory. Now it is the most important part of the season before the playoffs and it's nice that we can show ourselves and everyone else that we are a strong team,” says Lisa Tannerfalk.

Besides the victory was another joy: Anna Dyakiewicz was back in the blue jersey. “This was really fun. It does not feel like I ever left Gislaved,” she says.

Anna was substituted in the first set's last ball and then saw a few more plays throughout the match. But she has also just two sessions with the team. 

“I got into it soon. Everyone was very welcoming in the team and in addition, I know a few players from before.”

What do you say about the game then?

“I'm really impressed with the team. It was really good energy all the time. We can beat Lindesberg, which came 2nd at the Grand Prix, where we did not even qualify. This was an important victory.”

Are you surprised that it looked so good?

“No, we always believe that we can win, but we know we have to work for it and we really did today. It's wonderful to be back in Gislaved,” says Anna Dyakiewicz.

GVK Drove Over 3rd-Ranked Lindesberg at Home. Reason? Team Performance Review.

Lackluster performance against Hylte/Halmstad last weekend brought something good with it. This week, GVK's development emerged.

"We reflected on our individual and team performances last week," said coach Dick Runesson.
It appears to have worked. Grand Prix runner-up Lindesberg visited Gislaved on Saturday, but it was the hard to see that it was the visiting-team who belonged to the top.

GVK did not appear to care about current league rankings, as they came out completely focused and took command of the match from the start.

"It was our mistakes that gave Lindesberg the 2nd set win. We went into the break [between sets 2 and 3] and talked about playing our game, and trusting our game plan. Today we did that to nearly 100 percent."

Yes, in the last two sets were GVK back focused, without mistakes. Oh, the question is whether this was Gislaveds best bet of the season?

"Absolutely. But the best part is that we have more to give"

The match featured many emotions and the crowd was ready to play. As were the coaches, both of whom, at times, seemed irritated on the benches.

"I do not know what you're talking about," Dick laughs, and continues: "I like when there is much emotion involved. Lindesberg's coach is the men's national team coach and should lead by example."

Did you think he did?

"If you have to ask, you have the answer for yourself."

Right in the eye of the storm stood a comeback of Anna Dyakiewicz. She has been away from GVK for two years, but now made a comeback in the blue jersey.

Earlier this week, Runesson said that Anna is an important player for the team. That she is a bellwether.

"Now she was not playing as much today. But now we have two weeks to train hard before the next game. It is a new Gislaved now," he says.

GVK Handed Another Loss From Hylte/Halmstad

16 January 2015

Former Player Strengthens GVK

Anna Dyakiewicz has previously played two seasons in Gislaved VK. 

Now she's back to provide even more stability. 

Emma Petersson's playing status remains unknown after her injury against Katrineholm (7 Dec), therefore Anna Dyakiewicz is welcomed to GVK.

“Had it not been a player who has been here before, I would not have agreed to bringing her in. It is a great advantage that she knows GVK,” says GVK's coach Dick Runesson.

Dick and Anna have had contact since she left Gislaved after the 2013 playoffs. It was Anna who took the initiative and asked if she could come back and play with Gislaved.

“It feels good that she's back. She is the type of player that I always am interested in. She is serious and wants [to win] very much. She also begins to get a little routine now.”

Anna Dyakiewicz has dual British and Canadian citizenship and has most recently trained in the Turkish league. She is a spiker who can play both right and left.

“She will help with stability in serve reception, attack and defense. Maybe she will not make 25 points every game, but she's a solid player,” says Runesson.

Anna Dyakiewicz arrives to Gislaved on Tuesday.

19 January 2015

We Were Not There Today

Final Score: Gislaved 0, Hylte/Halmstad 3: 16-25, 15-25, 22-25

On the days when the opponent outplays you, you must be able to recognize it. "It's sad to say but so be it," said coach Dick Runesson.

Last Thursday, Gislaved won 3-0 against KFUM Göteborg away. On Sunday, it was the opposite against Hylte/Halmstad. Not because of the GVK-girls dropped their volleyball skills, but rather that Hylte/Halmstad performed better.

"They were better at all positions. I am not going to come up with some excuses for there is none" says Runesson.

"Not beautiful"

Runesson has his own theory to explain why Hylte/Halmstad was so much better: "we were not there today. We could not score our own points, again, it is the mental part. Sure we rallied and showed commitment in the third set, but other than that, there was nothing.”

No, the first two sets were not much fun. GVK scored just 16 points in the first and 15 in the second.

"I think we have too much respect for Hylte/Halmstad. Sure it's fine, but we should not go around thinking they are so good" says Runesson.

Little errors

Before the match, GVK talked about getting HH’s setter and attackers off of the net. A plan that was not at all successful. As soon as the opportunity arose, the home team no mistakes.

"They're immensely little mistake. Misses hardly anything.”

A tough loss for GVK, but Dick Runesson was not too downhearted: ”No, it's just that we do it better next time. We are in a development phase we will now run on the week and prepare as well as possible before Lindesberg at home on Saturday. We can play, but the mental part must also be included.”

Also the club will be obtaining a former player in Anna Dyakiwiecz on Tuesday. The idea is that she should be with and play in Saturday's game.

"She is mentally stable and can help us make more stable. She is well-trained and is good at keeping the track of his teammates.”

Can she help you to be “there"?

"Yeah, absolutely. She is good at stepping up on the court. But I also want to stress that she is not a savior. We still expect a team effort to continue this season," said Dick Runesson.

GVK Rebounds: Spring Season Opens 1-1

10 January 2015

Let’s Forget, Gislaved

FINAL SCORE: Gislaved 0, Svedala 3 (20-25, 11-25, 17-25) 

Rafdal searched for explanations for the loss

DataVolley malfunctioned. Players collided. When the game was over, Lauren Rafdal did not undo the tape from her little finger. It was such a day, when the big and small things went wrong. One day when more things went wrong than right. At the end of the match, the American sat on the bench and looked at the floor. She gazed blankly into the substitution paddle.

“I do not know why it turned out like this,” she said after the 0-3 loss. She thought of how the team transformed  from spirited and strong in training this week to flat and without energy to Svedala match.

“You saw for yourself we were flat and without power.”

We saw a good start, but then we saw not much more. The energy drained. GVK effort was crushed as Svedala’s offense slammed the ball to the floor around the feet of GVK players. Gislaved was flat. Lauren Rafdal searched for an explanation, and was frustrated.

“We did not take the responsibility of earning points today. It was mental. We did not follow our game plan. Is there an explanation? I just know that we must learn from the mistakes of this game when our emotions subside. That's how we can developed further and not let this happen again.”

After the match had coach Dick Runesson a similar statement: “It was a mental meltdown. We are not a so much worse, just because we have had the Christmas break. We do mental somersaults and crashed in the end.”

How do you mean?

“We planned to place the balls around [Svedala’s] number 16, but each player hit everywhere except around the number 16. We didn’t execute the game plan.”

It was just one example of how the team's tactics were lost. Although Svedala played well, it was Gislaved that fell on own mistakes and made itself bad.

“I'm burning for revenge now. We can do better than this. We know this,” said Runesson.

On Thursday, they get the chance to show it.

15 January 2015

Positive in GVK

Follow a big loss to Svedala, Gislaved continues forward progress.

After a 0-3 loss at home against Svedala, the team searched for explanations and found something coach Dick Runesson had not counted on: “It was a bad loss, but in terms of statistics, the match showed that we are on the right track as well. If we compare with previous Svedala matches, we had many more own attack points.”

It turned out that attack efficiency was a few percent better for every attacker than previous matches. The team’s high serve receive efficiency may be responsible.

“Svedala was a clear loss. The result can be seen as an end product if you want, but we are trying to be positive and look at the progress that we took. I'm usually careful to point out that it's fun if we win but if we do not, we must know that we know that we continue to get better.”

Regardless of whether the team wins or loses, the team looks at the statistics. It is a way to develop the process. A process where the outcome is not what's important. Tonight, the team faces another challenge: KFUM Göteborg away.

"We talked about revenge after the loss to Svedala. The new match schedule is benefiting us now. We are forced to look ahead immediately.”

There is a good chance for the team if they can continue with good serve reception.

"If we manage to keep up the focus we had in serve reception, and keep increasing the attack efficiency, then I’m eager to see what could happen.”

In their most recent meeting, Gislaved won 3-0 over Göteborg.

“[In that match] we kept focus, it even though I made some changes to the game lineup.” 

16 January 2015

GVK Sweeps KFUM Göteborg

Mediocre match, yet Gislaved won safe in their first away-match of the spring season.

FINAL SCORE: KFUM Göteborg 0, Gislaved 3 (16-25, 23-25, 17-25) 

After a 0-3 loss at home to Svedala, GVK's coach Dick Runesson wanted to see a reaction: “We did not bounce back fully. At time, we were a bit inconsistent. They served tough throughout the match,” said Runesson after the victory over Göteborg.

Despite a seemingly clear victory, GVK's coach is not too happy. “’m not impressed with the effort, but it is good  that we are taking it easy in critical situations.”

Entering as underdogs against Svedala, the team’s let go of the game plan and became more focused on solo efforts than team cooperation. Against Göteborg, the team stayed calm.

“[KFUM Göteborg] were up 22-22 in the second set. But we stepped up and continued to play solid.

Unlike their opponents, GVK did not become frantic. Prior to the match, serve receive was looked upon as the foundation for victory, if it could be handled well. The attack effort was okay.

“[Lauren] Rafdal served really well. On the other hand, we can get a lot more from our attacking. The whole team can give more. We won [tonight] because we have a better basic materials and better team.”

Meghan Sherman gained new confidence in the setter-position, and did it well.

“It was a pretty convincing victory, but we can do more than this.”

My Perfect Anti-Climatic Non-Romantic-Comedy Proposal

In the early weeks of our engagement, many of you have asked "how did he ask?" The answer seems obvious: "will you marry me?" What else is there to know, really? Did he drop down on bended knee? Were you surprised? Did you cry? The proposal itself was personal, and boring to most. The precise location of him popping the BIG question was anything but romantic. But I've quickly realized that you all want a story...

Jultomten (aka Daniel) and his youngest niece Tilde

It was Christmas Eve, and we had just concluded opening presents from Jultomten at Daniel's parent's house with his sister and her children. Daniel played the convincing roll of Santa, giving out hugs and posing for pictures with his adoring young nieces. His plan was to take me out to Lake Bolmen, a 25-minute drive from Ljungby, where he'd pop the question with the lakeside scenery as a backdrop. 

Lake Bolmen, Daniel's ideal spot 

He'd mentioned the idea en route to meet up with friends who were conveniently running late (as always) and suggested this as an alternative to just waiting at their apartment stuck in a stuffy, cold car. Of course, I thought this was an impractical waste of gas, rationalizing that the amount of time it took to drive out and back would be almost an hour, and they were merely 20 minutes away. Luckily, he had a backup, devising a plan to take me for a walk along the Lagan River that runs throughout the town. He kept his spirits up, talking about how beautiful the water is with the Christmas lights and that it would be really peaceful. 

We parked in a retirement home parking lot, and started wandering along the water. A drizzling rain started, and a few minutes later, another couple joined us in the park. Their mere presence caused him  even more stress than the engagement ring burning a hole in his pocket. He quickly grabbed my arm, turned us around and headed back towards the parking lot. 

Once they disappeared from his eyesight, he grabbed me to face him in an embrace and began expressing his love and appreciation towards me for moving to Sweden and believing in our relationship. He reached into his pocket, and I immediately felt my entire body flush. As he started to kneel, I grabbed his arms and pulled him into me, burying my teary-eyed face into his jacket. When he finally opened the box, exposing my great-grandmother's wedding band, he asked me to marry him. With shaking hands I accepted, after ensuring he had spoken to my parents.

Snapchat, the perfect forum to share important news with friends for under 10 seconds

Apparently in the week or two leading up to the proposal, he had been texting my parents in the middle of the night to ask their permission, and express his everlasting love for me. Haunted by Apple's iMessage that syncs all texts from his phone to his iPad and MacBook, he became obsessive in erasing any evidence. He had considered giving me the ring in a Christmas present, but knew that my overwhelming fear of public proposals would result in an emotional meltdown. 

Many people have these fantasy engagement stories, you watch TV shows and romantic comedies where the standards of American engagements are set incredibly high. My expectations of an engagement have literally been that I will just wake up to a ring on my hand, and that's the end of it. These two alternative extremes are completely unrealistic, because real-life moments are rarely perfectly times, and real-life emotions are unexpected. 

Hats Off in GVK

6 January 2015

Meghan: "We are taking big steps"

She had taken one and a half years off from volleyball to study. 

Now she is one of Gislaved’s best players in the hunt for a playoff spot. 

“I feel comfortable with the players, the coaches, and the entire organization. Joining a new team brings new tactics and new strategies to learn, but I think every player on our team is getting better every day. We are making great strides,” she says.

Meghan Sherman was the only professional player Gislaved had, before the club picked up Lauren Rafdal. The fall season has perhaps not been the best for her and the team, but Sherman has picked the most hats in the fall. And she believes in great success in the spring.

“It has been nice to have a break where we let our bodies and minds rest. Now we'll come back and be refreshed. Each workout is a new chance to learn and challenge ourselves,” she says.

She thinks, as I said, GVK developed every day.

“We have more confidence, and with self-confidence, more skill. We can take several steps forward and be more complex in our skills. We have created a good foundation to build on. Now we can introduce new types angles and speed into our play.”

That she has received the most hats, was surprising: “Cool! I had no idea!” 

Fall Season Concludes with Two 5-Set Home Matches

December 13, 2014

"WE WANTED IT THE MOST TODAY"

Coach Dick Runesson believes the "will to win" gave GVK the advantage

Final Score: Gislaved 3 - Örebro 2 (20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 22-25, 15-11)

IMPACT PLAYERS 

Best Attacker: Lauren Rafdal, 18 kills
Best Blocker: Lisa Tannerfalk, 5 blocks
Best Server: Mikaela Larsson, 3 aces
Best Serve Receiver: Amanda Länkinen
MVP: Lauren Rafdal

It was a real battle between Gislaved and Örebro.

Örebro controlled the match in the first set and won by five points. But in the second set, Gislaved came back. With the help from nine blocks, they won the set 25-17. Their momentum continued after the intermission. GVK had a commanding lead at 11-2, but Örebro narrowed their lead to 14-13. Gislaved then made another run, and finished the set 25-21.

Again, Örebro fought back and the momentum from the previous games carried GVK in the fourth set, but they were unable to resume control, and dropped the set 22-25.

The deciding set was a back-and-forth battle, with Örebro leading until 6-7. Then came the pressure. Gislaved went up to 11-7 and never let up.

“We executed our game plan well, and controlled the net both blocking and attacking. It was a full team effort,” says best point-scorer in GVK, Lauren Rafdal. 

GVK's Sherman (6) and Tannerfalk (9) block against Örebro's Rottman (8)

December 15, 2014

AFTER HOME DEBUT: "I LIKE THE FAMILY FEELING"

Lauren Rafdal made her home debut when Gislaved met Örebro. She was crowned with a victory and prize as MVP. "I feel very strong and good," she says.

After a back-and-forth battle, GVK took the win over Örebro 3-2. The match started with a commanding lead from Örebro, but as the first set continued, Gislaved’s momentum grew. Unfortunate errors by GVK helped Örebro to take set one, 20-25. The home team would not go down without a fight, and as the set started, Gislaved's net-play soared. A season-high 9 blocks in the second set confirmed the 25-17 win for GVK.

"We've been in this situation before, that we must overcome a shaky start. There were times that Örebro fought to close our lead, but we were able to stay mentally strong and keep pushing forward through the pressure," said coach Dick Runesson.

After an 11-2 lead, Örebro came back to trail by just one point, but again Gislaved fought on to secure the third set 25-21. Despite the momentum, GVK dropped the fourth set to a resilient Örebro 22-25.

"But the start Örebro got in the fourth was not earned. We made mistakes at the wrong time, and helped them to that victory.”

The match went to a fifth set, whereby Örebro led by one or two balls until 6-7. Then came the pressure Gislaved went up to 11-7 and did not let up.

"I do not think we played our best volleyball but we fought well and we did not get stressed.” According to Runesson, the will to win was key in the victory.

Another factor was Lauren Rafdal. The American outside hitter took 21 points.

"She will [continue to] get into it more and more and was a big part in the win. It's a small adjustment for her, so we'll let it take some time. She will acclimate more and more but I am very pleased with her home debut,” said Runesson.

Rafdal herself was also satisfied. That said, 21 points and appointed match MVP in her home debut is nothing to joke about.

"I feel very strong and good. But the team is very helpful. I’m “the new girl” and all, but they have welcomed me well.”

Rafdal’s credits the team for the win: “We protected the net. Strong blocking and attacking from everyone really helped secure the victory,” she says.

And a city girl entering the small town life?
"I'm from a larger city so it is a bit different. I like the family feeling in the city. But it's a whole new experience and I like the difference!"

Lauren Rafdal (3) led the Gislaved attack with 18 kills

December 17, 2014

MANY WORN OUT BY TOUGH MATCH SCHEDULE

Compared to last season, GVK has had a heavier match schedule
Pictured: Meghan Sherman (6) and Sanna Schultz (11)

Soon players in Gislaved Volleyboll Klubb will get a much needed rest when the Swedish Elite Series takes a pause over the winter holidays. The team will have time to lick their wounds and find new courage to continue when the series restarts in January.

Gislaveds VK has not gone far in the series. Nine points have been awarded after twelve matches, placing GVK in eighth place. The team has one final home match this Saturday against Sollentuna, then kicks off the New Year on 10 January.

Last season, GVK was a contender for the gold, but this season the club brought in fewer players and focused on homegrown talents applicable with less experience. Talking gold and GVK in the same breath has therefore somewhat estranged. The coach Dick Runesson has a good feeling with the break is approaching.

“We are where we should be at this time, in a rather stable playoff spot.”

Dick Runesson is fairly satisfied with what the team has achieved thus far, but it is about "doing good things" a little more often and minimize the slumps, which is something that still occurs too often. He is clear on how the break in the series will be used.

“We will lick the wounds. There are many tired bodies. This break is for rest and recovery, no friendly competition. We will train in between holidays, since the series starts in early January.”

Are the players worn down? 
“They are, they must knock on wood because I thought they would be much more worn out at this time because there have been more matches [than in previous years].”

How is the competition in the team? 

“Competition is good where we are located. We have the players that we have, and I am satisfied. I think it gets better and better, we shall see how far we can go in the playoffs.”

December 20, 2014

"MOST PAINFUL LOSS SO FAR"

The ball and the victory slipped away from Mikaela Larsson (on floor) and Gislaved VBK

Final Score: Gislaved 2, Sollentuna 3 (20-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 9-15)

IMPACT PLAYERS 

Best Attacker: Lauren Rafdal, 12 kills
Best Blocker: Jollan Åkerlund, 3 blocks
Best Server: Mikaela Larsson and Sanna Schultz, 3 aces each
Best Serve Receiver: Meghan Sherman and Lauren Rafdal, 95% positive
MVP: Sanna Schultz 

Gislaved VBK and Mikaela Larsson have lost a number of times this season, but none like this.

Larsson was still sitting on the bench. Her teammates had gone further into the locker room. She had to let the events sink in. “I'm very disappointed. It is the most painful loss so far.”

Her synopsis: “We did not play as well as we could throughout the whole match. When we do that, we can beat all the top teams. Sure, Sollentuna is [ranked] above us in the table, but we showed too much unnecessary respect,” she said after the 2-3 loss to Sollentuna.

Gislaved had swept away Sollentuna with large Christmas broom in the second set. GVK was hard-serving, made good serve receptions and tough game at the net. But in the third set, it was Sollentuna who controlled the service game. Gislaved again made a great sets in the fourth.

“Then we followed the game plan again and serve hard. We controlled them. We dared to go-for-it tough at the front line. When we do that, we are the better team.”

She did not say it herself, but the loss did not feel like an earned point, but as two that were lost.

Note: Teams are awarded 3-points towards the series for 3-0 or 3-1 wins; in a 5-set match, the winning team is awarded 2-points and the losing team is awarded 1-point.

How-To Christmas Like a Swede

"Merry Christmas" in Swedish

It is Christmastime here in Sweden, officially greeted by the first advent: November 30th. The stores are filled with lights and decorations, many similar to those found in the States, but others fairly unique.

Tomten, aka Santa Claus, is absolutely adorable, resembling more of a gnome than the Coca-Cola drinking man to which Americans are more accustomed. These little guys are mostly round balls with full-length beards and giant hats. Julbocken or Yule Goat is a goat made from straw. Swedish legends claim that the Julbocken brings presents for children on Christmas Eve, as does Tomten. Swedish people often put Julbocken under their Christmas trees and even hang them on the walls for good luck.

Tomten

Julbocken in Gävle

Varmljus (candles) are highly traditional, lit every Sunday during advent to countdown the days until Christmas. With the sun barely rising above the horizon during the winter months, Swedes illuminate their homes with candles to help keep the dark away. Similarly, many decorate with the julstärna, literally translated into English as "Christmas star". These origami-type lamps are arguably the most Swedish holiday decoration.

Advent candles in our home

Julstärna

The Lucia celebration represent one of the foremost cultural traditions in Sweden, with their clear reference to life in the peasant communities of old: darkness and light, cold and warmth. Tradition has it that Lucia is to wear ‘light in her hair’, which in practice means a crown of electric candles in a wreath on her head. Each of her handmaidens carries a candle. The star boys, who like the handmaidens are dressed in white gowns, carry stars on sticks and have tall paper cones on their heads. The gingerbread men and bakers bring up the rear, carrying small lanterns. The Lucia celebrations also include ginger snaps and sweet, saffron-flavoured buns (lussekatter) shaped like curled-up cats and with raisin eyes. You eat them with glögg or coffee.

Lucia program at Sörgårdskolan in Gislaved