Old foe, same results

By Lucas Timmons

timm0051@algonquincollege.com

March 13, 2009

Lucas Timmons photo Jonathan Sloane and Costa Solanakis block Seneca power hitter J.R. Sapienza in Algonquin's 3-0 win over the Sting at the Canadian Colleges Athletics Associa- tion finals at Keyano College in Fort McMurray, Alta.

It wasn’t the prize they came to the tournament looking for, but the bronze medal is one step closer for the Algonquin Thunder.

The Thunder defeated the Sting 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-20) and are two wins away from a bronze medal at the 2009 Canadian Colleges Athletic Association men's volleyball championship.

Algonquin was led by the amazing serving of Jonathan Sloane. He sent five aces over the net and added seven kills and three blocks.

"It's definitely unbelievable," Sloane said. "I don't think I've served that well in my entire life."

"The talent is there," said Thunder coach Max Larrivée. "[Jonathan] just needs to know what makes him perform at this best. Today was an example; he knew how he could elevate his game and that's what he did. It was a very solid performance on his part."

Charlie Hamilton led all players with 11 kills for the Thunder. Brian Archibald paced the Sting with nine.

Algonquin dominated the battle at the net, out powering Seneca on blocking. The Sting finished the contest with only one stuff block.

“It’s our game,” said Larrivée. “We are the most physical team in this tournament; we just didn’t show it as much yesterday. It was the plan against Seneca to overwhelm them.”

“It seemed like every set we were right with them until 10-15 then we just fell apart,” said Sting power hitter J.R. Sapienza. “They played a pretty good game. I think at times we could have won this game; we just didn't take advantage of it.

“We just didn't bring our game,” said Sting coach Shane Timms. “It's been the difference all weekend, more or less.“

Larrivée was pleased with how his team responded after yesterday’s loss.

“Kudos to our guys to come back after a tough loss,” Larrivée said. “This is where character is revealed, after losses like that. The guys revealed solid character and the desire to play quality volleyball.”

Algonquin will face the loser of tonight’s CEGEP Limoilou vs. Keyano College match in the bronze medal qualifier on Saturday. In either case, Larrivée is excited for the challenge that lies ahead.

“Keyano is a super experience for our guys,” said Larrivée, “considering the crowd and the spirit and that they have the most talented athlete in the gym too.

“Limoilou is a volleyball machine. [They are] the total opposite of us in the sense that they control the ball perfectly, they have a super pace and they’re a little less physical. They’re a well-oiled machine, so it’s a super test. We aspire to be at the level that they play.”