Tara & Kim Battle to Defend Home Turf!

Sunday, May 4, Clearwater, FL – By Tara Kuk

This by far was the best EVP tournament so far. Having won the last two, there was a little added pressure to win this last one because it was on our home beach. Kim and I had a fantastic volleyball day and had our friends and family there with us to cheer us on. My dad and stepmom even broke out their Kuk/Whitney Cheer Squad t-shirts from the Tampa AVP last year and wore them all day long.

Our final was definitely the highlight of the day. We played a very talented team who matched up very well with us. Both are tall, aggressive players like Kim and I. The first game of the match was a true battle. We were tied at 23-23 and told there was a cap at 25. A little crazy, especially because it was a final, but it ended up working to our advantage. We served the left side, and Kim jumped into her angle to block. She cranked a ball line and we were able to transition it into a point. I don't remember the point we won on, but I remember the point we earned 24 on to give us the side out advantage. We won the second game 21-16 I think, but there was never a minute in the match that I was able to relax.

During the match we definitely had the fan support, which was amazing. Three of my cousins drove in from out of town and my aunt came up from Sarasota. The all made it the entire day, consisting of 5 matches, to cheer us on to victory. Then of course all the people that train and play in Clearwater were all giving love to the home team. :) There were quite a few spectators during the final, but I always heard my dad's voice and Mike's (my husband’s) voice over them all. It's funny how that is. As an athlete you can tune out most things, but some things (or voices) always get through.

Next week we're off to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We're making it a road trip (8 hour drive), so it should be a memory maker!

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