The Algonquin Thunder men’s volleyball team’s playoff hopes took a devastating hit at home last weekend when they suffered back-to-back losses to the Seneca Sting and the Georgian Grizzlies.
While the Sting steamrolled the Thunder in a 3-0 contest on Friday, Algonquin looked to turn it around in their second game of the homestand.
In front of a roaring crowd on Saturday night, the Thunder came back from a 2-0 set deficit to force a fifth set. But the Grizzlies spoiled the rally, taking the final set by a score of 15-11.
After starting off the season with an impressive 6-2 record, Algonquin has now lost five straight and has fallen out of a playoff spot for the first time since late October.
During the second set of Saturday’s game, Thunder coach Jay Mooney showed his displeasure by throwing his clipboard down on the ground, smashing in two pieces. As of late, frustration has certainly been boiling over.
“It’s been a tough couple of weekends with injuries, guys having their shoulders out (and) thumb injuries,” said team captain Mozafar Abdoli.
“We have a bunch of young guys, so we’re working on things that we’re looking to next year to develop on. With the lack of skill and experience, it all adds up.”
Even with their current losing streak and abundance of injuries, the Thunder are still managing to keep their heads held high.
“After the game, it was mostly positive; looking at the fact that we executed our game plan, but just need to work on a few technical aspects of the game,” said setter Luke Amos.
Currently sitting in sixth place in the East Division, the Thunder still believe they can get back in the playoff picture.
“I’m hoping,” said Abdoli. “We’ll be playing against La Cité and Canadore next week. We should have a good control over those two games. I’m positive that we will have chance to make provincials.”
The Thunder have five games left in the season, three of which are against teams lower than them in the standings.
“We’re always working hard to try to improve and get the best outcome that we can, moving into the last half of the season, working towards making the finals,” said Amos.
The Thunder’s next home game is Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.