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,” 5th set. Trent would not be denied victory. Regrouping after dropping sets 3 and 4, Trent took the 5th game (15-10) and the match 3 games to 2. Leading the way for Trent was 4th 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 1st set 25-22. Trent would show strong reserve and battle back to take the 2nd set 25-17. The 3rd 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 5th and deciding set was needed. Trent looked poised to dominate the 5th 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 5th 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 2nd 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 1st two games, only to see Cambrian take the 3rd set. The Trent Men would not allow a 5th set this time around, taking the 4th 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)
