Clippers Edge Eagles in Comeback Win
By Jeff Misener
The Briercrest Clippers (13-4) matched up against the King's University Eagles (9-8) in men's volleyball action on Friday in Caronport, SK. The CCAA bronze medallists from last year needed to rely on all their experience in defeating a game Eagles' squad 25-17, 23-25, 22-25, 25-22, 16-14.
The Clippers galloped to a huge early lead as Judah Matthies delivered a masterclass on serve. Karym Coleman, crushing balls from the backrow, ensured that the momentum remained with the hosts. Briercrest setter Jeremy Martens fed all his hitters with ease, and with several substitutes seeing court time, Briercrest breezed to the first set win.
The Eagles enjoyed a dream start to the second stanza as Hudson Forsberg, a former Briercrest player, supplied a delightful ball to Chris Rooker. After Jackson Anderson overpowered multiple King's blockers, the Eagles responded by stuffing TJ Ward and Matthies on successive plays. Anderson and Coleman saw their touches increase, and they delivered the goods with authority, but a pair of thunderous kills from Kaiden Aceron snuffed out the comeback.
Forsberg's pinpoint accuracy and cunning in setting the table for his hitters was on full display in the middle period as King's surged ahead. A monstrous block by Martens and Adam Revet aided the Clippers in their efforts to climb back into the set, and they achieved their goal as Ward thumped an errant pass into the floor and Martens excelled on serve. Aceron and Tanner Piers exchanged kills with Ward, but it was the Eagles who proved the stronger squad, winning the important battles at the net.
With the Clippers facing a deficit, Brady Watchel settled the hosts with steady, accurate passing. Even though Coleman saw his touches increase, the Clippers were playing catchup throughout the set. After Rooker and Piers rejected Coleman, Martens stepped to the service line and delivered a trifecta of aces to knot the match.
Early in the final frame, Ward stuffed Matthew Milne, but Piers covered his teammate with a strong attack. Coleman repeatedly pulverized the offerings given him by Martens, while Anderson and Ward provided crucial support. Following service errors by both squads, Matthies delivered the ace that sealed the deal.
Player of the Game Hudson Forsberg enjoyed a splendid homecoming for the King's University Eagles, registering eight digs, two kills and 36 assists. Briercrest Clippers jointly honoured and celebrated the careers of Brady Watchel (10 digs) and Jackson Anderson (11 kills, two digs, two aces, and two blocks).