By: Steven Chmielash
The Algonquin Thunder shut out their opponents on Jan.18-19 as both the men’s and women’s volleyball teams played against George Brown College and Trent University.
Men’s Volleyball
The men’s volleyball team hosted Trent University which, at the start of the game, came in ranked third from the bottom of the OCAA East Division standings.
Regardless of the team’s rankings, Thunder head coach Jeff Mooney wasn’t going to take Trent for granted.
The Thunder swept Trent University in three sets, winning 25-22 in the first, 25-16 in the second and finally 25-16 in the third and final set of the night.
Having dominated Trent for most of the night, most observers would have believed it was a near perfect win for the men’s volleyball team.
Mooney refused to accept that premise, instead saying that the game was a success.
“From some standpoints yes, and some no.”
The goal of the game was not achieved, he said, which was to concentrate on the team’s defensive play.
Even though they spent a lot of time with their defensive movements in practice, “it didn’t translate in the game.”
This means, the team “can be exposed in areas.”
Even Setter, Jordan MacQuarrie was, “happy with the win but lots to improve.”
MacQuarrie knew that Trent was not the strongest in the league but said that there were still areas in their game that could be improved.
Women’s Volleyball
Coming off a stellar win the night before against George Brown, the women’s volleyball team came into Saturday night’s game focused and ready to give it their all against Trent University, who–until this game–were ranked third overall in the OCAA East Division standings.
During the third set, Trent was down 2-0. The Thunder then scored four points in a row before Peter Carter, head coach of Trent, became noticeably frustrated at the referee for a debatable non-call.
OCAA referee Scott Gilchrist said that Carter wanted to rally his team and get them back in the game.
Algonquin had the last laugh though, defeating Trent 25-23 in the first set, 25-20 in the second and finally 25-18 in the third and final set, capping off a 3-0 victory.
“It was a good weekend,” said Head Coach Everton Senior.
“Worked well as a team- the whole starting line contributed to the win. The Setter did a good job establishing the middle and the middle ran well all night.”
Both Thunder volleyball teams play twice next weekend when they travel to Collѐge Boréal on Friday night and then Cambrian College Saturday afternoon.