Friday November 20, 2009 and Saturday November 21, 2009

This past weekend, the Trent University volleyball teams played host to College de Boreal (Sudbury) and Cambrian College (Sudbury).  Trent proved to be menacing hosts as both the men and women were victorious, sweeping Sudbury out of the Trent Athletics Complex.

Friday night, the Trent Excalibur women took on College de Boreal.  Trent was a dominant force right from the opening serve.  At times, Boreal appeared to be overmatched, attempting every possible attack.  The Trent women provided a well balanced attack as every member of the team recorded at least one offensive point.  In the end, Trent took the match 3 games to 0 (25-13, 25-13, 25-17).  Leading the way for Trent was Leslie Schumacher with 7 points of total offense (5 kills, 1 ace, 1 block).

After the women dispatched Boreal, the men were took to the court to play Boreal.  Trent appeared to be heading towards an easy victory, taking the first 2 sets (25-16, 25-21).  However, Boreal would not leave without a fight.  Using the advantage of 7’0 middle Eric Robert, Boreal was able to establish a big block and shut down the Excalibur offense taking the next 2 games (23-25, 15-25).  This resulted in the “race to 15,” 5^th set.  Trent would not be denied victory.  Regrouping after dropping sets 3 and 4, Trent took the 5^th game (15-10) and the match 3 games to 2.  Leading the way for Trent was 4^th year outside hitter Chris Ferguson-Martin with 20 points total offense (15 kills, 4 aces, 1 block).  Josh Neadow added an impressive 27 digs in the match.

The next day, Cambrian College arrived in Peterborough.  In a top 10 match-up, the #7 ranked Cambrian Golden Shield took on the #10 ranked Trent Excalibur in the women’s match.  This match had all the potential to be a fantastic matchup, and as the fans in attendance will attest, the match was indeed, fantastic.  Cambrian looked toward standout rookie Shawna Metcalf to dominate the offense, while Trent countered with veterans Jenn Lenis and Alex Thompson.  A long, back and forth matchup was the order of the day.  Cambrian came out very strong and took the 1^st set 25-22.  Trent would show strong reserve and battle back to take the 2^nd set 25-17.  The 3^rd set was a back and forth affair with neither team holding an advantage of greater then 3 points until Cambrian rallied win 25-21.  With backs against the wall, Trent’s veteran presence took over and leads the Excalibur to a 26-24 victory.  A 5^th and deciding set was needed.  Trent looked poised to dominate the 5^th set, holding a 9-3 lead.  Cambrian would fight back, and took a 14-12 lead.  Momentum would be the order for the next 8 points.  Trent countered with 3 straight points to lead 15-14.  Cambrian took the next 2 points, to take a 16-15 lead.  To end off the match, Trent took the next 3 points to win the 5^th set 18-16, and the match 3 games to 2.

Offensive Leaders

Cambrian College

#5 Shawna Metcalf – 27 points total offense (22 kills, 3 aces, 2 blocks)

Trent Excalibur

#12 Alex Thompson – 22 points total offense (16 kills, 5 aces, 1 block)

#1 Elise Hansen – 16 points total offense (10 kills, 5 aces, 1 block)

The Trent Men then took to the court in an attempt to complete the 2^nd consecutive “Sudbury Sweep.”  Last school year, Trent Volleyball won all 4 matches in Sudbury for the first time in school history.  Ultimately, history would repeat itself.  The Trent Men dispatched of Cambrian College winning 3 games to 1.  Trent was strong in the 1^st two games, only to see Cambrian take the 3^rd set.  The Trent Men would not allow a 5^th set this time around, taking the 4^th game.

            Offensive Leaders

            Cambrian College

            #14 Ben Cambridge – 14 points total offense (14 kills)

            Trent Excalibur

            #11 Ben Kinzett – 16 points total offense (16 kills)

Trent University’s Thaddeus Bolton was named to the OUA’s first team all star team, November 2, 2009. Bolton was Trent’s leading scorer and is ranked 7^th in scoring in the league. Trent’s Coach Stuart Robertson stated, "We are very proud of what Thaddeus has accomplished this past season and thru his soccer career at Trent.He is a leader on and off the pitch and has the ability to change a game single handily."

Bolton, a fourth year Business student has been involved in a variety of activities at Trent. Athletic Director Bill Byrick said, “ Thaddeus was part of a group of talented athletes who came to Trent and dramatically improved the quality of play and work ethic on our team. The quality of play in this league is very good and we are delighted to have Thaddeus honoured in this way”.

OUA all stars are nominated and voted upon by all coaches in the league. “Great to have one of our player recognized throughout the league as an all star”, stated Robertson.