In the third installment of supervolley the F.H. Collins Warriors downed the Vanier Crusaders in a closely contested straight sets victory. The game started earlier than previous supervolley events, as the Crusaders took to the court in front of a ruckus student body.

The game started off quickly, as the teams were energized in front of the boisterous crowd.

The Crusaders jumped out to an early lead in the first set, by playing stellar defence, digging every ball that was swung on by their opponents.

The Crusaders were also attacking strong, finding the holes in the Warriors defence.

The Warriors found their game midway through the set, helped by a big serving run, to take a 20-16 advantage. The Crusaders made a late push to make the set 24-22, and win back the serve. The Warriors called a time-out in order to ice the server, with the time out over; the Warriors passed a perfect ball and were able to find their middle, for a game winning quick attack, taking the first set 25-22.

Warriors coach Gary Seeley wasn’t surprised by his team’s early struggles as they adjust to a new system.

“I think we played OK today, we are early in the season,” said Seeley. “We are running a couple different offences right now, so we are just kind of getting our midseason stride going, but the kids battled when they needed to today.”

In the second set the Warriors got out to an early lead, but thanks to a big serving run, Vanier was able to tie the game at 10 apiece. The Warriors pulled away, when player of the game, Peyton Twardochleb went on a five-point scoring run that the Crusaders could not recover from. The Warriors won the second set 25-17.

After two hard fought sets, the third got off to a slow start, with neither team able to create any separation from the other. The Warriors were able to build a five-point lead, again off the strong serving of Twardochleb. The Crusaders managed to get within a point of the Warriors, 21-20, but the Warriors were able to pick up their defence for the last four points, taking the final set 25-21.

It may only be three weeks into the season, but it moves quickly, Seeley thinks with the right improvements his team can compete with anyone.

“We want to improve more on team play and effort,” said Seeley. “Passing from the back court, a little more communication and then executing our offence. Our plan is to be there at the end of the year, it’s going to be hard work, and a lot of time in the gym.”

Crusaders defeat Warriors 3-1 in boy’s action

Playing on a back-to-back the Vanier Crusaders got down early in the game, but rallied back to win the next three sets, defeating the F.H. Collins Warriors, 3-1.

The Crusaders got out to an early 13-7 lead in the first set, as their attackers were able to find the holes in the Warriors block. The Warriors were able to overcome the early deficit, by increasing their offensive pressure, getting devastating attacks from all their swingers.

The Warriors forced the Crusaders into uncharacteristic attacking errors, and that translated to the serving line, as the mistakes began to compound on the Crusaders side of the net.

The Crusaders were able to regain some momentum after a booming line shot to tie the game 22-22, unfortunately for them, they missed their next serve, and that was followed by a powerful quick attack by Manus Toews, as the Warriors won the first set 25-23.

In the second set, both teams were firing on all cylinders, as the attackers on either side of the net were able to find the court. The Crusaders were able to pull ahead as their defence, led by libero, and player of the game Arcel Sioson picked up the intensity. The Crusaders won the second set 25-21 after Rylan Stoker hammered a ball from the middle, tying the game at one apiece.

The third set saw the Crusaders keep up the defensive intensity, as they quickly jumped out to a 16-10 lead, which the Warriors could not recover from. Getting timely serves, and hits, the Crusaders were able to cruise to a comfortable 25-15 third set win.

In the fourth set, the Warriors jumped out to an early 7-3 lead. The Crusaders got a boost of energy when Quinn Howard painted the line with an unstoppable attack from the left side.

The Crusaders followed that with an impressive serving run from Stoker, to take an 18-10 advantage.

The Warriors battled back however, as their block shut down the Crusaders attacks. The Warriors got within striking distance, but the early deficit was too much to overcome.

Thomas Janzen rose up from the right side and smashed the ball off of the blockers hands, to seal the victory for the Crusaders, 25-21.

The win was the Crusaders third in a row; according to Sioson team camaraderie is a key to their current success.

“It’s such a great team to play with. I am so happy to be a part of this team,” said Sioson.

“Everyone is so versatile, which is important to our team. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the season.”