By: Sarah Maat
Toronto, ON — The George Brown Huskies shocked the Centennial Colts in a close game pushed to five sets (23-25, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22, 7-15).
Centennial (12-4) dominated for most of the game, even in the sets they lost. However, George Brown (11-6) pulled off many successful comebacks to regain control, and it was their persistence that won them the game.
In the first set the Colts struggled to find their rhythm as service errors and lack of communication gave the Huskies a small lead early on. Despite successful comebacks later in the set, the Colts would not produce a lead greater than one point, and George Brown would take the first 25-23.
The Colts started stronger in the second set, as they showed better teamwork and collaboration to set up longer rallies. Their defensive game also improved as they locked down the right side with blocks.
Centennial grew their lead to 13-7 and maintained this dominance later into the set, staying up six points, until they forced the Huskies to call a timeout when they went up 16-10.
From there, the Colts kept their lead with good intensity and organization. They used strategic ball placement to disorient the Huskies and force them to make mistakes. The Colts took the second set 25-19.
The third set began easy as Pedro Casellatto went on a six-point serving run to put the Colts up 9-3 over the Huskies. From there, Centennial kept their lead going up 23-14, but George Brown was quick to reply.
Aided by an enthusiastic home crowd, the Huskies would go on to score 16 points in a row and win the set 25-23.
Tensions were high in the fourth, and halfway through the set both teams were tied 12-12.
Eventually, Centennial pulled ahead 19-15, and despite George Brown's best efforts, the Colts fought hard to fend off the Huskies 25-22 and push for a fifth set.
George Brown dominated the last set and they rushed to half, going up 8-5 over the Colts. After they switched sides, the Huskies capitalized on many Colts errors to seal the game 15-7.
The loss marks Centennial's second this week, and fourth this season. The Colts will play next on Wednesday against Loyalist.