Serving up a win

Men’s volleyball takes out Bearcats

By Eric Wilkins, Sports Editor

Late afternoon on November 16 saw the Columbia Bible College (CBC) Bearcats pay a visit to Douglas College. Fresh off a loss on November 15 against the same team, the Royals looked determined not to see the same result—determination that would pay off. With a quick, “DC!” the squad took to the court.

“Obviously I feel like it was good for the group to show some resiliency. I mean obviously we started out okay yesterday, but overall we didn’t play a great match. It was definitely important for the guys to come back with a better effort. So I thought they responded appropriately for sure,” said coach Brad Hudson following the win.

CBC took the first point of the game, but not the first set; after a tight start with some early lead changes, Douglas set the tone for the rest of the afternoon by going on top 14-13 and then holding at least a two-point cushion for the rest of the set. It would finish 25-22. The Royals also took the second, putting up a 25-23 scoreline. CBC wasn’t about to roll over without a fight though. The third saw the Bearcats dominate, constantly holding a five-point lead or more before eventually winning 25-17. In the fourth, the Royals came out rejuvenated and back to their early game form. After Douglas jumped out to a 7-3 lead, the Bearcats tried to slow their momentum and gather themselves with a timeout; it wouldn’t be enough. CBC drew within two at one point, but that was it, with the Royals keeping themselves at least four points up for the rest of the set—eventually taking it 25-21.

“I thought it was a good bounce back from last game. We had a lot more energy and were more consistent. Fewer errors and stayed pretty good through the whole way,” said Angus Ireland. “To lose in four last night and then to beat them in four tonight really showed how tough we are and how we can stay positive.”

Coach Hudson commented on what the bye week did for the team. “I thought it was really good for us. It came after the Cranbrook weekend which was 27 hours on the bus, so it was good to have that. But at the same time I feel like we were able to put some really good work in and address issues that had come up over the course of the first semester and I feel like we definitely improved from it.”

With the team now sitting at 5-5, Hudson left off with his opinion on the team’s development. “There’s no questioning the heart or the character of the group. But obviously with, not just young players, but maybe new roles and responsibilities for guys that are back as well then there’s definitely probably more ups and downs than any coach would like. But at the same time, I know it’s a good group so I feel like we’ll keep putting in good work and we’ll get where we want to go.”