By: Ryan Miller
Scarborough, Ontario - In their first game of 2023, the Centennial Colts Women's Volleyball Team took on the Loyalist Lancers in a rematch, having faced the Lancers in Bellville last November. The Colts fell in 3 sets in their first meeting but were primed for a rematch on home turf in the new year.
After falling behind early in the first set, the Colts rallied to score several points to even the score before pulling it out at the end, winning set 1 26-24. The Lancers battled back, taking the Colts down in set 2, 25-21. The 3rd set saw much of the same, a tight battle with incredible rallies as the Colts pulled ahead 25-23. In the 4th set, it seemed like the Lancers were beginning to lose steam, as they made several unforced errors to propel the Colts. The Colts did not squander the opportunity presented to them. With the match knotted at 20, coach Mallory took a timeout to settle the ladies down and issue a game plan to help them close the game out. With the pressure of wanting to end their losing streak, the Colts came together and pulled out set 4, 25-21, winning the match 3 sets to 1.
"After an overall great first semester in the classroom, the ladies did an excellent job showcasing the on-court work they have put in over the semester break in this game," said Head Coach Andrew Mallory after the match. "Fueled as much by wanting to stop a losing streak as by wanting to stay in the playoff race and get the return match vs a team in Loyalist where we felt we didn't play near our best in the first semester; our team did an excellent job of fighting through the hard moments and pushing to win the race to 25 in the tight sets tonight," he continues. "It really felt from the bench like we know who we are and our roles on the team from an on-court and personality perspective tonight, unlocking that will hopefully take us a long way in our development this second half of the season."
With the win, the Colts improve to 3-7 on the season and stay in the playoff hunt. They face the Seneca Sting Friday night at Seneca in a rematch of their first-semester game.