Men set to kill nationals
Posted on 10. Mar, 2010 by scottrennie in Sports
KYLE HALL
SPORTS REPORTER
The men’s volleyball team will have to battle through a difficult draw if it wants to rewrite history by winning Humber’s first medal at a national championship.
“I’m not happy with our draw. I think it’s a farce,” said head coach Wayne Wilkins. “But unfortunately there’s nothing I can do to control that. However, I still think there’s an opportunity to come away with a medal.”
The Hawks (17-2) have their first game today against UBC Okanagan Heat (17-1), which lost its only game during the B.C. provincial championship and needed a wildcard to secure a spot at nationals.
“They’re gonna be a good team,” said Wilkins. “We’ve got two No. 1 ranked teams facing off in the first round. But they’re beatable.”
If the Hawks can pull out a victory over the Heat it will likely face the No.1 ranked team in the country, Quebec’s Limoilou (18-0), in the semifinals.
Humber lost to Limoliou in three sets at a tournament earlier this year, but the Hawks were missing starting
setter Derek Quinn, who was suffering from mononucleosis.
The Hawks have four previous appearances at nationals, with their best finish coming in 2005 where they came fourth, losing in the fifth set of the bronze medal match 15-13 to Thompson Rivers University from B.C.
“The season’s not over yet,” said starting middle Matt Isaacs. “This is when we should be peaking. This is when we work the hardest.”
Humber sports information director Jim Bialek said this team may be superior to the 2005 squad.
“This is a more complete team. Wayne has a few more years experience and every time you’ve got the best player on the court you’re a real threat,” said Bialek, referring to Humber’s all-Canadian, Terrel Bramwell, who possesses Vince Carter-like athleticism.
The championship is hosted by Grant MacEwan University, in Edmonton, and runs through the weekend
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