UFV’s volleyball teams played four games last weekend against the CBC Bearcats, four games with enough of a narrative arc to fill your average novel. Both UFV teams won on Friday in a pair of intense, emotional games, before dropping Saturday’s matches in hard-fought, but disappointing losses. The women will enter the playoffs ranked second in the PACWEST. The men finished their season on Saturday.
Friday’s game was one of two extremes for UFV women’s volleyball (20-4). The Bearcats (7-17) played two of their best sets of the year, winning both 27-25, then dropped three straight sets in a complete collapse. UFV took the game 3-2 (25-27, 25-27, 25-17, 25-10, 15-8).
On Saturday the Cascades suffered a rare loss, 1-3, after a tough third set (25-14, 21-25, 28-30, 22-25). The Cascades will begin PACWEST playoffs this Friday (Feb 21) in a semifinal matchup against either the Douglas College Royals or Capilano University Blues. The championship tournament will be hosted by Capilano in Vancouver from Feb 20-22.
“This weekend was another weekend where we had a split decision,” said Cascades head coach Dennis Bokenfohr. “On Friday night we had a good comeback after falling behind two sets. On Saturday we had a better start and watched a couple sets slip away from us. It was definitely one of those things we have not made a habit of and it was odd to watch it happen.”
“There were moments of really good volleyball, however, there were also a bunch more moments of uninspired volleyball. Our hope and sights remain the same. We will await the winner of Douglas and Capilano this Thursday night in preparation for our semi final match up.”
UFV men’s volleyball (8-16) grabbed Friday’s win over the Bearcats (16-8) in four sets (10-25, 25-15, 25-23, 25-23), before dropping Saturday’s game in three (19-25, 17-25, 15-25).
“I think our team is much better than the season result indicates,” said Cascades coach Greg Russell. “Friday’s match was an indication of the talent on our team, as we used all 13 players equally. It is also an indication of how hard these guys have worked over the season.”