PHILIPPINES—Forty-six men and 59 ladies from Angeles and Quezon City congregations improved their physical proficiency, arm-and-eye coordination and teamwork in their first volleyball season from June 15 to September 14.

Five men’s teams and six women’s teams held three-hour games two to three times a month at either San Lorenzo University in Quezon City, or Angeles University Foundation Sports Center, where Herbert W. Armstrong received an honorary doctorate during his trip to the Philippines.

Most of the players were novices, so coaches taught them the basics after getting to know their strengths and weaknesses. Less-skilled players practiced drills in their own time.

“My coach taught me to face my fears and play the inner game,” participant Harriet Rodis said.

Many found it a challenge to practice because of time constraints, location or bad weather. Coaches asked players to pray for good weather so they could practice. One team practiced in its coach’s backyard at 6 a.m. because it was the only time the whole team could make it.

“Confidence, concentration, communication and commitment,” coach and Preaching Elder Kirk Macdonald told his team, Shooting Stars.

Aside from learning physical skills, coaches learned patience through match coaching and developmental coaching.

By the second half of the volleyball season, all teams had improved and developed confidence, using dig, pass, set, pancake, kill and attack skills in games. Both teams fought in long rallies for every point in some equally-matched games.

“It builds unity of the brethren to use teamwork and to play sports in harmony,” member Roderick Rañises said. “It helps us get to know each other more and put sportsmanship into action.”

The next sports season is basketball, which starts November 2 and continues to the end of February.

Volleyball season will start again after the Days of Unleavened Bread next year.