V-Reds v'ballers host UBC
A men's volleyball squad Dan McMorran calls "one of the top teams around" will be around this weekend.
The
Exhibition matches take place tonight at 7 p.m. and tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m. at the UNB Main Gym.
McMorran,in his first season as the full time head coach of the Varsity Reds but his sixth at the helm of the program, expects the series to be a good test for his team.
He says it will give his team an opportunity to see where they stand and what they need to improve upon as they prepare for play in the three-team Atlantic University Sport Men's Volleyball Conference.
Dalhousie Tigers have won the AUS title for the past 23 years, something McMorran hopes to see change this year. He believes facing a top team like UBC is a step in the right direction.
"UBC finished the regular season as 10 in the country (last year) so they will definitely give us an insight to the team's weaknesses as well as any individual skills we need to fine tune," he said. He also sees an opportunity to see is young players in a competitive game situation before the regular season begins in November.
"We have young players in some key positions this year including Stephane Fontaine," said McMorran, referring to the Ecole Sainte-Anne grad who powered his team to the NBIAA boys AAA volleyball title last year.
Fontaine, a first year middle player, is sharing the job with sophomore Andrew Costa. McMorran expects a period of adjustment.
We're going to have some growing pains offensively to begin with, but they both have great potential in the setting position."
McMorran is pleased to have Fontaine in uniform.
"Kids want to go to a quality program," said McMorran. "Today you can't take for granted that a
Logan Keoughan of Miramichi and Jonathan Tower of Minto also join the team in their first season. McMorran considers them hidden gems.
"They came from programs that weren't very well recognized on a national level," said McMorran. "I had the chance to see them play for the past number of years within the province and knew they were going to be quality ball players at the CIS level. So far they've exceeded my expectations."
Fifth year players Ryley Boldon and Captain Brett Watson will be looked to as the team's leaders. Boldon brings strong play at the net, while Watson is looked to for consistent all round play.
"Watson is an experienced outside hitter, with a great all-round game," said McMorran. "He will add the stability and leadership we need both on and off the court."
The V-Reds will also be looking to returning players Tyler Veenhuis, John Sheehan, and Jacob Kilpatrick to be a strong force on the court.
Veenhuis is a fourth year player, being named an AUS All-Star and the team MVP last season. He was one of the top point getters in the Atlantic Conference last season and expectations from McMorran are to see the same level of play this season. Sheehan and Kilpatrick have been go-to guys in the middle for UNB in the past and will continue in that role. The V-Reds have parted company with all-star left side player Kyle Van Genne. McMorran says the team and coaching staff "have decided to go in a different direction," this season
Former V-Reds Kyle Blanchard and Jean-Pierre de Vink return to the program this season. Blanchard returns after a one year absence, playing for the Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association champion UNBSJ SeaWolves and de Vink returns after a two year absence.
Michael Johnson joins the team for his fourth season as libero.
Other returnees include sophomore David McConnell, who is expected to miss most of the first half with a knee n injury. He hopes to return for the second term but McMorran is not optimistic.
"There's a bone spur that causes some discomfort," said McMorran. "I highly doubt that Dave will dress this year," he said. "It will be unlikely. It's definitely a loss for us."