UNB runners-up at Bobcat Tourney

UNB's men's volleyball team placed second in their first exhibition tournament in Brandon, Manitoba, this past weekend.

The Varsity Reds travelled west to compete in the Brandon University Bobcats tournament. The four-team tourney featured UNB, Winnipeg, Medicine Hat and the host Brandon Bobcats in a three-day event.

On Friday night, UNB gave the Canada West powerhouse Brandon more than they could handle, with a hard-fought 3-1 victory in front of a large Bobcats crowd. Marc White and Ryan Colpitts led the way for the V-Reds with 18 and 15 points respectively.

UNB faced off against the Winnipeg Wesmen to start Saturday's matches. The Wesmen, coached by National Team assistant coach Larry McKay, are a tough and gritty team, but the Varsity Reds improved their record to 2-0 with another 3-1 win, guaranteeing a spot in the gold medal game on Sunday. Second-year outside hitter Ryan Colpitts led all scorers with an impressive 22 kills, four aces and four blocks for 30 points. Fifth-year middle Craig Toonders racked up 13 kills, one ace and two blocks. 

The V-Reds went on to meet Alberta's Medicine Hat College in Saturday's second match. After taking an opening 25-20 first set win, UNB seemed to lose some steam and showed signs of fatigue. Several players made appearances throughout the match, but UNB ended up on the losing end of a 3-1 score. Brett LeDrew and Marc White led the way for the V-Reds with 10 points each.

Sunday's gold medal game featured a rematch between UNB and Brandon. The Varsity Reds looked strong in the opening set, trading large attacks and smothering blocks, but it was a string of solid serving from Marc White late in the set that allowed UNB to take a 21-19 lead and eventually close 25-21 to take a 1-0 lead. Brandon clawed back, however, taking the next three sets to clinch the gold medal at home. Marc White continued his solid play with 13 points, while Brett LeDrew, Craig Toonders and Tristen Burridge each added 9, 8 and 7 points respectively. 

Head coach Dan McMorran says that overall, he's pleased with how the team performed in their first matches of the year.

"Brandon is one of the top teams in the country right now, so to play as well as we did and get a win over them in their gym was quite an accomplishment," he said.

"We were solid against a tough Winnipeg team as well, with our only real subpar performance being our match against Medicine Hat. We started well in the finals, but the hectic schedule of the weekend seemed to catch up to us, and we weren't able to maintain the level of play needed to beat the Bobcats down the stretch."

McMorran pointed to some very solid performances from the V-Reds in every position. He says there are a lot of positives to take away and build upon as they prepare for the upcoming league opener.

The Varsity Reds will host the Queen's Golden Gaels on Friday, October 10, at 8pm and Saturday, October 11, at 2:30pm.

Photo by Matt Packwood.