The WolfPack continued their quest towards a spot in the 2014-15 post season on Saturday with a straight sets victory over the visiting Mount Royal University Cougars. The scores on the Warner Rentals Court at the Tournament Capital Centre were 25-20, 25-20, 25-11. TRU has went to .500 on their six game winning streak (11-11). The Cougars fall to 9-11.
"Doesn't matter what the score is or where in the game it is we need to be consistent,"said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly about what his team's motivation is right now. "Pretty happy with the result. Another good weekend. We won on Senior's night which is good as well. We are still alive which is important going into a bye week. It is building into a huge final weekend of the season in Saskatchewan (Feb. 6-7)."
This match was senior's night where two of the team's four fifth year players: Blake Majcher (libero, Brandon, MB) and Casey Knight (outside hitter, Salt Spring Island, BC) were honored.
Both played the entire match as did fellow senior Stuart Richey (outside hitter, Roberts Creek, BC). The other senior—Matt Krueger (libero, Abbotsford, BC) played the entire match last weekend against UBCO.
"I thought Blake did a great job today," said Hennelly when asked to comment on his fifth years. "We were a little lack last night in serve/receive. Blake did a great job and made some great digs which he is known for. I don't think anyone would have noticed that Matt Krueger wasn't in there. It has been like that for both of them their entire careers. They have been neck and neck all the way through. It is good to see some seniority and have some depth. Casey is doing a great job serving and delivering some tough balls. He made back to back digs as well. He is building to the end of his career and the playoffs."
The WolfPack were again led by CIS Player of the Year Brad Gunter (fourth year, outside hitter, Courtenay, BC). Gunter had 14 kills in 33 opportunities with one serving ace, three digs and a solo block.
"Brad looks like he is ready to go," Hennelly said about his star player and the post season. "This week of rest will be good for all of us. High volume guys like Brad and Casey will appreciate the two days off. We will have three days on and two days off to mimic a playoff series."
Knight had nine kills in 20 swings with an assist, 10 digs and three block assists.
Graham Stoliker (fourth year, setter, Surrey, BC) had 31 assists, five digs and two block assists.
Richey had 10 digs while Majcher had an assist and five digs.
Mount Royal was led by Tyler Schmidt with 12 kills in 28 swings with two service aces and two digs. Samuel Brisbane had 16 assists.
While the Pack have the week off, the Cougars will entertain UBCO next weekend.