The Dalhousie Tigers varsity volleyball team had their first preseason tournament at the beginning of October. The squad travelled to Manitoba and competed in two exhibition games against the University of Winnipeg and capped their weekend off by playing in the University of Manitoba Bison Invitational.

On the Tigers is Yukoner and former Vanier Crusader libero Arcel Siosan. The libero, in volleyball, is the defensive specialist on the court easily identified by the different colour jersey.

Siosan walked onto the team, not having been previously scouted, and in Manitoba, he saw the bulk of the playing time at his position.

The Tigers lost both of the exhibition games against the University of Winnipeg Wesmen. In the first game they dropped the best of five match 3-2. In that game, Siosan split the libero duties.

After he made the team, Siosan said he needed to work on serve receive. In the opening game, his teammate and fellow libero played the serve receive rotations while Siosan said he took the defensive rotations.

The Tigers lost the second exhibition game 3-0 but Siosan was given the opportunity to play as the primary libero.

“I felt more confident and relaxed,” said Siosan about his play. “I did better on both ends. I think my play helped coach see what I can do.”

The Wesmen were the first team Dalhousie met to start the Bison Invitational and fell 3-0. Siosan did not start that game for the Tigers. Still, he found his way into the game and deliver on what his coach, Dan Ota, asked of him.

“I was wearing a regular shirt and coach told me to be ready,” said Siosan. “He put me in the game for some passing rotations and I was able to deliver. I gained more confidence after that.”

He got the start against one of the top volleyball schools in Canada, the McMaster Marauders, who were the fifth- ranked volleyball team in the country last year according to USPORTS.

“McMaster was so good,” said Siosan. “I got the start and the team put up a better game against them.”

The Tigers got in the win column on the final day of the four-team tournament. Once again they played the Wesmen and were able to take the match 3-1.

“It wasn’t my best passing game but coach kept me in,” said Siosan. “That helped me be more confident on the court and not as scared to do my job.”

Siosan said the Dalhousie team has several rookies and that the trip was a good opportunity for the squad to gel.

“Everyone is still trying to get used to playing with each other,” said Siosan. “The trip helped me get to know them better and helped everyone bond. I’m happy we are becoming friends.”

Since joining the varsity team Siosan has said he’s seen his game improve.

“Since day one I was learning a lot which I was open to,” said Siosan. “I told them coming from a smaller city I may have learned this differently. I’m open to any critiques to make me a better athlete and those have already helped me become a better player.”

With a young team, if Siosan continues to work hard he will have the opportunity to see the court plenty during the regular season.

“Coach said he doesn’t care about age or what year you are in,” said Siosan. “It’s about what you can put on the table.”

Siosan has been in Halifax for about a month and a half now. He grew to love the city when he visited his brother who is attending St. Mary’s University.

“I liked the environment,” said Siosan to the Star in September. “Halifax is a great city. I’m glad I chose this school.”

Studying general science with the hope of transferring to kinesiology, Siosan said he is adjusting to life as a student-athlete.

As a student-athlete Siosan said he has to maintain a 2.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) to remain eligible to play. To help him and all the athletes at the university the school has provided mental trainers.

“They ask me how I am doing and make sure everything is in progress,” said Siosan.

The Tigers were back in action this weekend when York made the trip to Dalhousie for a pair of exhibition games.

In the first game, the Tigers downed York 3-1. Siosan played in all four sets registering seven digs. The Tigers dropped the second game 3-1. Siosan got into two of the four sets played.

The regular season begins on October 25 when the Tigers travel to Montreal. The team will have to wait until November 8th to play a regular-season match in front of their home crowd when Laval comes to town.