STORY BY DAVID PELOSI
The Sheridan Bruins women’s volleyball team (0-4) were defeated by their long time rivals the Humber Hawks who soared to a 3-0 Nov. 16.
For the men’s volleyball team, a confident start gave them the 27-25 win in the first set, but the Hawks would answer back, winning the game 3-1.
“They put in a great effort, they pretty much tried to do what they could defensively knowing what was coming, and we were just outplayed,” said the Lady Bruins head coach, Patrick Krychowski.
Early on in the first set at Trafalgar campus, the Lady Bruins weren’t able to keep the margin close. The Hawks would get themselves ahead, taking the first set 25-16.
The Hawks proved to be a challenge at the mid point of the second set, creating a ten-point lead on Sheridan.
Humber’s defenders wouldn’t allow the Bruins to convert on their attacks, winning the second set 25-13.
Sommer Maltby served two aces overall for the Lady Bruins. Maltby produced the game high in attacks, earning 26 over the trio of sets.
Emily Santos and Eva Crnkovic worked together on their blocking to defend, but the Hawks consistency on the kills held up.
Sheridan came within six points in their final set. Humber’s offensive strategies would hold up giving them the sweep with a 25-17 victory to end the match.
“They’re a very experienced team, they have a national player that sets the tone and intimidates the other team,” said Krychowski.
The men’s team (0-4) meanwhile, came out strong in their first set at their home gym, unleashing a comeback on the Hawks winning by two, scoring 27-25.
Sheridan battled it out keeping the margin small, closing on their kills. Bruin Josh Butler totaled 11 kills and produced 23 attacks.
Brandon Rivera kept the Bruins defensive game in check, earning five blocks over the four sets played. Teammate Chris Adams earned three blocks.
“For me it’s very simple, I think we compete very hard every game, I think we care a lot, I think the guys care a lot about each other, and care a lot about our school, and I think they care about getting better,” said Bruins head coach Dave McAllister.
Humber answered back, not allowing the Bruins to convert offensive opportunities. The Hawks tied up the match with a 25-17 win in the second set.
The Bruins came full throttle in the third looking for redemption but the Hawks were able to recover crucial plays on them, ending the set 25-19.
“We need to get better at serving tougher, passing better, and digging the balls that are played right at us,” said McAllister.
Sheridan was challenged by the Hawks offense in the fourth set, punching in kills and delivering the fatal blow at the end of the final set to give them the 25-18 victory.
