Blackout modifies volleyball scrimmage

By Joe Naiman

A seven-team volleyball scrimmage Sept. 8 at San Pasqual High School began at 3:30 p.m., just minutes before the blackout that eliminated electricity in San Diego County.

“We barely got going and the lights went out,” said Ramona High School Coach Connie Halfaker.

The Ramona, San Pasqual, Escondido, Mission Hills, Orange Glen, San Marcos and Valley Center girls teams continued the scrimmage with the gymnasium door open, allowing for some light prior to sundown.

“We really couldn’t perform our best,” Halfaker said. “Everybody was just kind of working on placement.”

The players were asked to take 50 percent swings so that nobody would be hit by a ball and potentially injured in the reduced-visibility activity.

“We needed to make sure we’re keeping safety in mind,” Halfaker said.

That still allowed teams to work on mechanics, as well as on team chemistry in a competitive environment.

“It just gave us a chance to see different lineups and how different people played together,” Halfaker said. “It was beneficial. It added value.”

The scrimmage was the second of two for Ramona, who traveled to Mount Carmel for a Sept. 1 scrimmage that included Brawley, Grossmont, Scripps Ranch, Valhalla, and West Hills as well as Ramona and Mount Carmel.

“It had some Division II heavy hitters,” Halfaker said. “It was a real valuable scrimmage.”

The scrimmages also enabled Halfaker to assess the team’s ability to correct mistakes and adapt to situations as the evening progressed. “I was very, very impressed,” she said.

The Bulldogs opened their season Tuesday at San Marcos and leave tomorrow for the Palm Desert Tournament, which will be played Saturday at Desert Christian High School.

“We’re just eager to get going,” Halfaker said.