Selkirk Saints versus College of the Rockies

This was the week that Selkirk College women’s volleyball team was convinced that their win-loss record was going to finally include a win. The odds were certainly in their favour. They were entering this match reasonably healthy and they were facing COTR, a team they had defeated twice in exhibition play.

The match started very promising as the Saints jumped out of the gate with a 25–14 first set win. Unfortunately poor serving and untimely hitting on the part of Selkirk allowed COTR numerous opportunities to even the match at 1-1 with a 25-17 second set win.

In the pivotal third set, the Saints women returned to the form they displayed in set one, winning 25–15. In a match that seemed destined to go the full five sets, COTR did force the fifth set by winning the fourth, 25–22. Coach Joe Moreira felt the team played set four a little too conservatively. “We started slowly and perhaps a little cautiously, and we ran out of time to catch up,” he suggested.

About the fifth set collapse, he struggled to explain what happened. “Honestly, I was surprised, perhaps shocked, that we let them race to an 8–1 lead. The fifth set is always fast and furious and after expending so much physical and emotion energy playing catch up we were on empty at the end after tying the set 12-12.” COTR went on to win the fifth set 19-17 and the match 3–2.

The Saints break for exams and return to action on January 15/16, 2010 as they host Capilano University Blues. 

First published on November 15, 2009