The Shack was packed. Over a hundred people crammed into the Trent University gymnasium over the November 17th home-opener weekend to support the varsity Volleyball teams in their games against Guelph. While ultimately losing both games, our teams performed admirably. Beyond that, Arthur managed to uncover a shocking and heartwarming secret about the men’s volleyball team, and managed to speak to both the coach and captain of the Guelph’s men’s team. 

Our volleyball team hands out informal awards after each game, for excellent performance and camaraderie. For the women’s team, Julia Hapke received the crown for her support during the match, and Aly Sadam of the men’s team received the medal for his devious plays. Post match, Guelph team captain Jonathan Pickett spoke highly of Aly’s efforts, noting with chagrin and appreciation that he had scored some “dirty” points.

In OUA Volleyball, there are usually two games between the universities, hence why there was a game both Friday and Saturday. Our teams are usually better the second day, and this stayed true.

The women’s team, after a strong start in the second game, faltered in their last set. Their first two sets were close games, with Trent getting around 18 and 19, but their final set ended with a score of 7-25, shocking the stands. 

Interviewed after the game, libero Maddie Cavanaugh offered some insight on their performance, and also her non-sponsored thoughts on Subway sandwiches. 

On the topic of the game, she spoke of the injuries the team is dealing with—three of their starters currently out of the lineup—which has had the effect of totally reshaping their tactics. 

Given this, Cavanaugh reflected on the realities facing the team, stating that given the “situation we’re in, we can’t be too hard on ourselves.” She further noted that their 3^rd set performance was caused by a good beginning run by Guelph. 

“Volleyball is a very mental game, ”she said. Despite this, Cavanaugh and the rest of the women’s team were still in high spirits, and spoke very passionately about her meal, and refused to give any quotes before I listed her Subway meal, stressing the importance of nutrition. 

Speaking of the sandwich, she said “it’s the best post game meal,” and that “it’s just as important to fuel up before the game, as it is after the game.” Her go to is a cold cut combo with ham, “white cheese”, red onions, green peppers, cucumbers and extra mayo.

The men’s games were wars of attrition. Neck and neck throughout, every game was hard won by Guelph. With three separate sets ending 22-25, the optimism displayed by our team was not misplaced.

 Reached for comment before the second match, outside hitter Charles Winser emphatically stated that “despite the minor setback, the boys continue to buzz.” 

Asked about the team going forward, he continued, explaining that “despite another close loss we’re feeling optimistic going forward. Our first two weeks have been good learning experiences for us and we’re looking forward to an opportunity to bounce back.”

Speaking of the men’s team, our elite sleuths have uncovered a delicious secret about them. There is a “mom group chat” for the six youngest players. While speaking to an anonymous source, they attested that it was started to give comfort to the moms of the players. It was created to help assuage the fears of some of the mothers who are hundreds, in some cases thousands, of kilometers away from their children for the first-time, with many of them coming from the far flung and exotic lands of Newfoundland and British Columbia. 

For many of the parents this chat helps bring a sense of peace, and lets them know that their sons are ok. Middle Evan Burke, after a slew of previous thoughts, landed on the statement that he is “ very happy that the team moms can connect”.

On strategy, for the men both Guelph and Trent focused on their serving,after a strange pattern of out of bounds serves in the first game. Jonny Pickett of Guelph mentioned “serve and pass.” For all those unfamiliar with volleyball, the first contact with the ball is the most important, both the serve and the response to it. The Guelph women’s team focused on blocking, which was done with fervor.

Perhaps most significantly, however, it bears repeating that the Shack was most definitely packed. This was an enormous boon to our side, and proved difficult for Guelph to handle. 

Cal Wigston, coach of the Guelph men’s team talked of the effectiveness of our school spirit. With such a small gym, and with the crowd as rowdy as it was, it is difficult to blockout the noise and words. 

“It’s a hard place to play.,” he stated. 

With help from the rowing and rugby teams, as well as the Trent pom team, the school came together to cheer our side, and heckle the other. While by and large the crowd acted in a responsible manner, such as good-natured calls for benched players from the opposing side to get on court, there was a minor mishap with some of the crowd’s calls becoming inappropriate. 

At one point the referee paused the game to address a member of the audience and tell them to cease or be removed. While every Trent Excalibur patriot is urged to come to the games and bring their support, it’s important to remember to not get caught in the heat of the game, and to remain respectful. 

This was the only home game of the semester, so fans will have to wait till after the holidays to take to the stands again. Fans are encouraged to continue to come to the games, and should be advised that there are plans for themed games, such as last year's “White out” game where there will be crowd favors with team paraphernalia. 

As our team gathers steam, rest assured that future games will be just as entertaining, and even more competitive. 

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