On Monday, the draw came out which told the McSweeney's Selects who their opponents will be in the 2012 Canadian Open of Volleyball.
Their first game in some time is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. (EST) tomorrow, says coach Brent Brown.
For this year, Volleyball Canada is bringing its six national championships together under one roof.
Over 800 teams will compete in 14 categories ranging from 12-65 years old across 54 courts in the biggest Canadian Open ever seen.
Volleyball Canada will host 10,000 athletes in Toronto for the 2012 Canadian Open Volleyball Championships.
Brown, coach of the McSweeney's Selects, says his team is ready to go.
"On Monday, the draw comes out so I will have a better idea on times and who we play."
Brown acknowledged that the team has had a few rough outings this season.
That includes their showing at provincials, but sees this Open as a change to turn it around completely.
If the volleyball games themselves are the same, the venue should be more than enough to whip up some motivation.
"The girls have been looking forward to this trip all year and have been building towards it."
Brown said this is the type of tournament that could really get them going once they get there.
"This is the biggest tournament that has ever been held in Canada with 1000 teams from across the country competing."
We had a disappointing finish at provincials, he added, but noted that the Canadian Open would be a chance to end the season "with success at this big event".
Brown noted that he liked what he's been seeing at some of the team's recent practices.
"Our last few practices have been very intense and we are hoping to carry this forward."
They have also played some exhibition games against some older girls, Brown points out.
The Selects are going to play volleyball but Brown told the paper there is way more at stake here than games.
"Going into an event like this is an experience that they can keep with them for life. We always try to make the trip to nationals a very eventful one for the team."
He said part of the plan is to take in some of the southern Ontario attractions, including Niagara Falls.
"We have also been lucky enough to plan a few excursions for the team and all of the parents that are making the trip."
Those excursions include seats at the Team Canada vs. Finland World Cup match and a day at Niagara Falls.
Brown told YTW that the team's progress can be tracked online at http://www.volleyball.ca/content/open-2012
