Chargers volleyball on the verge of playoff berth
Last home matches of 2007-08 season this weekend
February 6, 2008
The Camosun College Chargers volleyball teams are working hard this week preparing for their last home matches of the British Columbia Colleges’ Athletics Association (BCCAA) 2007-08 season and the hope of a playoff berth to this year’s Provincial Championships.
Both Chargers teams are currently ranked seventh in the BCCAA with five wins and nine losses, just one spot down from the sixth spot ranking they shared at the beginning of the season and one spot away from a berth to the BCCAA Championships.
Despite a gruelling drive to Castlegar and Cranbrook this past weekend, the Chargers women managed to brush off the bus trip rust and execute an exciting pair of wins. Head Coach Alison Hitesman is happy that the team is playing more consistently and anticipates that they will finish the season off strong.
"Some stellar performances were evident this weekend and we will continue to be strong. Cortney Fraser is being a wall up along the net and Allie Thomas brings in the tough kills at key times to augment the consistent scoring of Dana Allan and the ever dangerous hitting of Tanisha Marcelle. What has impressed me the most is the back court play of all players that allows our setters to make consistent sets into the hitting zone," reported Hitesman.
In view of changing coaches and changing offensive and defensive systems midway through the season, the Chargers men are building up their game and a whole new line of confidence. "We have been growing in confidence since the start of the new year and particularly the last four matches we have played, two of which have been victories. The league has become much more competitive this season with the outcome of almost every match dependent on just a few key rallies. Our veterans like Dan Goodburn and Chris Abra have been solid for us and it's nice to see some of our first year players like Derek Twomey, Garrett Marcellus and Aleks Saddlemyer stepping up their game and their confidence. We are still in the hunt and can shape our own conclusion to a season of change, growth and development, and the start of a new era of Chargers Men's volleyball," said head coach, Charles Parkinson.
The next four matches – two home, followed by two away – will be key for each of the Chargers teams in obtaining a playoff berth. This weekend, the Chargers volleyball teams play host to the College of New Caledonia Kodiaks and the University of British Columbia – Okanagan Lakers.
Matches are scheduled at St. Margaret’s School (1080 Lucas Avenue):
- Fri - Feb. 9: Chargers (#7) host CNC Women (#10) at 6:30pm; Men (#9) at 8:15pm
- Sat - Feb. 10: Chargers (#7) host UBCO Women (#1) at 1:00pm Men (#4) at 2:45pm
Both coaches are optimistic about this weekend’s matches and are relying on a big home crowd to cheer them on.
On the women’s side, Hitesman is taking all factors into consideration. “CNC will be tired from travelling, which is a huge advantage in this league to the home team. We also anticipate that UBCO will be focused on their game against Malaspina, which just might play in our favour,” she commented.
Men’s coach Charles Parkinson commented, “UBCO is quite talented. Our men are equally as talented but not as deep. If everyone plays well at the same time, and with home court advantage, we should be able to claw out a win. Against CNC, nothing short of victory will be acceptable. The players know the importance of playing well at home and I think they will respond well, particularly if the Victoria volleyball community will come out and help us with their enthusiasm and support. They can be our seventh man!”
Notably, this weekend will mark the Chargers’ final BCCAA league volleyball matches played in the St. Margaret’s School gym as the Chargers move their games and practices to the new Pacific Sports Institute this Fall.
Contact
Graham Matthews
Recreation and Athletics Coordinator
Phone: 250–370–3601
matthews@camosun.bc.ca
