Volleyball was the big draw at the Dalplex this past weekend as teams from the AUS and Quebec’s RSEQ met for their third interlock of the season. In a tightly contested series against Sherbrooke, Montreal and Laval, the Dalhousie men’s volleyball team held their own in winning two of three games.
“I think that our guys showed some resilience,” said Tigers coach Dan Ota following a gruelling five-set win over the Vert et Or last Friday night. “There were a few times where we were struggling and Sherbrooke put the pressure on us, and I think we could have easily folded in those situations, but I think it’s a real testament to what these guys are made of.”
The first match was a battle of attrition, with both teams trading set victories en route to a deciding fifth set, where the Tigers outlasted Sherbrooke 15-9. Middle blocker Connor Maessen was instrumental in the win, coming up with key blocks and kills throughout the match.
“We came in really focused on just getting the job done, doing what needs to be done to win,” said Maessen, who was awarded player of the game.
The Tigers faced a quick turnaround, with two games scheduled the next day, but coach Ota felt confident in his team’s ability to remain competitive.
“I think no matter who we end up using, they’ll be ready to go, and hopefully it will be enough to beat a very tough Montreal team tomorrow and hopefully a very good Laval team in the evening.”
The AUS-leading Tigers were forced to go the distance again Saturday afternoon, this time against Montreal. After the Carabins took a 2-1 lead, Dal faced an important fourth set.
“After the third set we knew exactly what we weren’t doing right,” said team captain Bryan Duquette. “We looked a little lost, and even though we knew what we needed to do, our energy wasn’t there, but we brought it for the fourth set.”
The Tigers would emerge with a win, forcing a fifth set for the second time in less than 24 hours.
“I’m always impressed with how our guys can respond when we’re put in a difficult situation,” added the perpetually even-keel Ota after the 15-11 win. “We’re not the most consistent team out there, but I’d like to think that we’re a team that responds well to adversity.”
The Tigers would go on to lose in straight sets to CIS No. 4 Laval on Jan. 19. Despite the defeat to the Rouge et Or—still undefeated this season—the weekend saw Dal come away with two important wins. This improves their overall record to 8-5.
“It’s a young group but I’ve really been impressed with how they’ve responded to everything we’ve been talking about throughout the year,” said Ota.
The Tigers travel to Fredericton to play second-place UNB on Jan. 25 and 26.
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