OAKVILLE, Ont. (By Kevin John Sacdalan) - The Sheridan Bruins men's volleyball team (8-8 OCAA) came up on the losing end of a four-setter at home against Mohawk.
It was a seesaw battle in the match's opening set, but the Bruins found a way to steal the set, 28-26. In their previous match against one another, Mohawk took the win in straight sets, so the Bruins were already off to a better start.
Despite taking the first set, Mohawk answered back with a strong showing in the second set, 25-18. The Bruins continued to put up a fight, but Mohawk was too much to handle this night, winning the third set, 25-23, and the fourth set, 25-20.
"It was a tight match and in games like that, whoever executes better after 20 wins," Bruins' head coach Frank Pento said. "In set one, we were able to score some big points late and win. In sets two, three, and four, it was Mohawk who made the big plays."
Although the Double-Blue did not come up on the winning end, Pento was happy with his team's fight and effort.
"I thought we played great, but it just didn't work out for us tonight," Pento added. "We did a good job on defence for most of the match, but late in the sets we didn't have an answer for their two left side attackers."
This loss comes after an impressive month of January for the Bruins, going 4-2 in their matches, putting them back in position for a playoff berth.
They sit in the sixth and final spot with St. Clair (7-8 OCAA) on their heels just two points behind.
In a virtual tie with the Bruins are the Niagara Knights (8-8 OCAA), who they will be facing on February 9. Pento and the Bruins understand the magnitude and importance of that next match.
"Next match is our biggest of the season," Pento said. "We still control our position in the standings, but only one win separates fourth from seventh. We need to win at Niagara to keep pace with everyone."
That match will be the Bruins' final road game of the regular season, and then they will cap things off on February 12 (3pm) at home against Conestoga (6-10 OCAA).
