Friday, October 29 @ Guelph
Guelph 3, Waterloo 0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-17)
The Waterloo Warriors travelled to Guelph to take on the Gryphons on Friday, October 29th. The Warriors lost their second game of the season 3-0 with set scores of 25-19, 25-19 and 25-17 in favour of the Gryphons.
The Gryphons started up slow during the first set, with a couple shaky minutes of loose defending. It didn't last long and they soon found their confidence and started building a lead. With help from Winston Rosser's (Whitby, ON) great serves, and from Andrew McWilliam's (North Dunwich, ON) powerful attacks, the Gryphons were soon leading consistently by 5 or 6 points. Andrew Revie (Guelph, ON) worked in all areas of the game, supporting his team with kills that ripped past the Warriors, great blocking and strategic tipping. The set finished 25-19 for the Gryphons.
In the second set the Warriors struggled early and made some errors. Gryphon left-side Ryan Killeen (Oakville, ON) pulled out a number of saves during some tight situations for the Gryphons, helping in the confident overall morale of the team. The Gryphons finished again in their favour, 25-19.
During the third and final set James Stamler (North Bay, ON) took control of the game. He played a fantastic match and shut down many of the Warrior attacks. The Warriors were able to close up the gap in points part-way through the game but it didn't last long and the Gryphons took the lead once more, finishing the set 25-17.
Stamler led the Gryphons, and took player of the match, with 10 kills and 6 digs. Close behind was Rosser with 7 kills, 2 digs and 2 aces. For the Warriors Kazhamiaka led with 7 kills, 5 digs and 26 total attacks. Aleks Poldma (Toronto/Warriors) (Toronto, ON) followed with 5 kills and 15 total attacks.
Saturday, October 30 @ McMaster
McMaster 3, Waterloo 2 (25-19, 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-13)
The Warriors lost their second straight game of the weekend in a tight match against the McMaster Marauders.
After losing the first set 25-19 Waterloo won the next two by close margins (25-22, 25-23) and looked in control heading into the fourth set.
Led by second year outside hitter Kevin Stevens (Winnipeg, Man.) and fourth year middle Tyler Santoni (Kingston, Ont.), the Marauders bounced back to even the match at two sets a piece winning the fourth set 25-18. Sevens and Santoni were instrumental in winning the set for the Marauders.
The fifth set saw both teams making huge plays at the net and fighting for each and every point to pick up the victory. McMaster would narrowly edge Waterloo 15-13 in the set to take the game and give the Warriors their third loss of the season.
Leading the way for the Warriors was rookie Fiodar Kazhamiaka (Waterloo, Ont.) with 14 kills and 6 blocks. James Evans (Rockwood, Ont.) picked up 10 kills in the losing effort.
The 1-3 Warriors return to Waterloo for a pair of home games including their home opener on Friday, November 5 as they host the Queen's Gaels (2-0).
