Scoreboard

Senior Boys Volleyball: Cathedral 3, Holy Trinity 0

Cathedral wins GHAC

By:Vivi Bragues

Cathedral Gaels had an epic win over Holy Trinity in GHAC action today. 

It was a close first set, but the Gaels narrowly won by four points. 

In the following two sets, Cathedral showed their true determination and won both sets by 10 and 12 points respectively.

Next week the boys will travel to Barry for three days, to compete in OFSAA.

Westdale Defeats Ancaster in Senior Boys’ Volleyball Finals

By Emily Power

On Thursday the Westdale Warriors overcame the Ancaster Royals, winning three sets out of five. The two teams were evenly matched, which made for an exciting and intense game.

Westdale comfortably won the first set, but Ancaster narrowly defeated the Warriors in the second set, by a margin of only two points! Ancaster dominated the third set, winning 25-17. Next came the most intense, bite-all-my-nails-off set yet. The two teams battled back and forth the entire time, with powerful spikes by Westdale’s Aaron Howe, Pierre Brennan, and Josh Wendel. Ancaster kept coming back with spikes by Steven Holmes, and Brennan Wilson.

In the end, Westdale held their own, winning 25-18. The teams moved on to play the fifth and final set, which would decide the overall winning team. The fifth set began with Ancaster’s Steven Holmes dropping serve after pounding serve, leaving Westdale several points behind. Finally, Westdale’s Aaron Toltesi returned Holms’ serve with a mighty spike, giving Westdale the next serve. Soon after, Ancaster scored to tie the game (8-8). The Royals pulled ahead by two points making the game 10-8 for Ancaster. Under plenty of pressure, Ancaster then served the ball into the net. Point for Westdale!!! The teams rallied back and forth, drawing the crowd of spectators into the intense play.

Next, Ancaster spiked, but Westdale’s Aaron Howe was ready with a block, only to have the blocked ball go out on Ancaster’s court. With Ancaster one point ahead, Westdale’s Pierre Brennan pounded down yet another spike, tying the game (11-11). At this point the crowd was on their feet, knowing all too well that there were only four more points to go. (Fifth match only goes to 15 points.)

Soon, Westdale pulled two points ahead (13-11), sending Ancaster into a time out. The game resumed with Westdale’s Aaron Howe sending a strong spike over to Ancaster, only to have his spike blocked. (Point for Ancaster.)

Once again, Westdale’s Pierre Brennan saved the game with a dominating spike. (14-12 for Westdale.) With the Warriors only one point away from victory, Ancaster sent down a spike. But wait, the spike went out…..Westdale wins!!!

Senior Boys Volleyball: Cathedral Gaels 3, Bishop Ryan 0

Gaels win the "ship"

By: Vivi Bragues

Cathedral Gaels win their first three sets against Bishop Ryan Celtics, in the Gaels gym on November 6^th, taking their much-anticipated championship.

The Celtics took a three-point lead in the beginning of the first set, but Cathedral did not give up. With much determination from Gael Captain Marcin Jedrezjewski, and his team, Cathedral takes over the set and wins with a three-point lead.

With the Celtics in a three-point lead in the second set, Marcin Jedrzejewski and Gael’s libero Pawel Jedrezjewski make an unthinkable save, and start the set off for the Gaels. Both teams showed tremendous effort and talent, keeping the fans hanging at the edge of their seats. The Gaels won the close set with a powerful hit by Captain Jedrezjewski, 25- 23.

The Cathedral Boys had one more set to win before they could bring home the ‘ship’. With a load of pressure from the cheering (some screaming) fans, the Gaels continued to fight. Like the prior two sets, Bishop Ryan took the first point, but the Gaels would not have any of that. The boys worked and fought like a team, revealing all the hard training they endured all season. With Gaels’ talented setter Tu Vu, and strong hitters Luan Do and Captain Jedrezjewski, the boys took the lead.

The Gaels were four points away from their victory and the Celtics brought out their hidden talents. The two teams alternated points, fighting for the same dream and killing the fans with anticipation. Now, two points away from the win, Celtics serve but lost the play to Do’s monster hit.

Gael’s Bart Jedrezjewski focuses before he takes yet another point for the team, bringing them a mere point away from winning it all

In the last play of the game, Bart Jedrezjewski digs the ball to Vu, who sets it perfectly to the team Captain. Jedrezjewski absolutely kills the ball with his final hit of the season, making the Celtic blocker knock the ball out of bounds.

Although all three sets were so close, Cathedral Gaels proved themselves to be the stronger and more prepared team.

More than a hundred fanatic fans painted and clothed in blue and white rushed the court, cheering for their school’s victory. When Cathedral’s head of Physical Education, Andrea McCabe, anounced “This is your championship, Cathedral Gaels senior boys” over the microphone, the fans went even more wild.

Cathedral coaches, Mrs. Dumpey and Ms. Tancredi said: “It was an amazing game- a mental game. They come together and played their best game so far”, and hinted towards the boy’s GHAC game coming up.

Bishop Ryan Leaves Championship Game Heartbroken

Senior Boys suffer the hardest loss of the season.

By: Jenna Frank

It was a match that Bishop Ryan's senior boys volleyball team has been awaiting the entire season- the championship game. The team was confident that they could get there, it was just a matter of who would stand in their way when they got there. Turns out, it was their worse enemy, the undefeated Cathedral Gaels.

For the first time in a long time, the boys were faced with playing a playoff game outside their own gym. The stands in Cathedral's gym were filled with both Cathedral and Bishop Ryan fans. BR's team record is nearly flawless, minus of course their two losses to Cathedral. Bishop Ryan came into this game as the underdogs. They knew they were going to be in for a tough match.

The first set began with the ball in Celtic possession. Jordan Clazzer stepped up the serving line and his rocket serves gave BR an early three point lead. The Gaels fought back hard, and caught up in no time. From this point on, there was not a time where either team had more than a three point lead on the other. Eventually, BR fell just short, losing the set 23-25.

Bishop Ryan was not discouraged by the first set upset. They were determined to win, and this definitely showed on the court. Setter Matt Lewandowski had a few tricks up his sleeves which kept the Celtic team within reach of victory. Libero Ryan Valconi challenged the Gaels by digging up a few of their hardest hits. Although the Celtic performance was top knotch, they yet again lost a close set, 23-25.

It was the final chance for Bishop Ryan to redeem themselves as it all came down to the third set. Win this set and they keep their championship dream alive or lose it and go home broken hearted. The Celtics brought out all they had. The fire within pushed them to challenge the Gaels.

Bishop Ryan matched the Gael's score serveral times during the set. Clazzer proved his power yet again in this set, smashing down numerous hits from power position. Middle hitter Rafal Hryzsko and offside hitter Zakary Lazar played the net well. Together they managed to shut out Cathedral's captain, and star player, Marcin Jedrzejewski, several times. In the end, Cathedral thrived off the full home gym, and left the Celtics broken hearted as they won the set 17-25, putting an end to the long-lived Celtic dream.

After the awards ceremony, the entire gym was filled with emotion of all sorts. Cathedral's team and students were thrilled, and full of excitment. Bishop Ryan on the other hand, proud of their team, but weren't afraid to shed a few tears.

  

Bishop Ryan is Championship Bound

Senior Boys Volleyball team wins against STM in 5 sets.

By: Jenna Frank

Yesterday afternoon,  Bishop Ryan's senior boys volleyball team took on St. Thomas More is semi-final action.

The boys played a great game, however, STM gave them a good run for their money. STM fought hard, and managed to hold off the Celtics from victory after four sets. The intense game was decided by a tough fifth, overtime set.

BR began to trail as the set went on. The score was 13-9, when Jordan Clazzer stepped up the serving line. These tough serves along with great digs by libero Ryan Valconi revived the Celtic play. Jordan Vecia also had a solid game. In addition, setter Matt Lewandowski set up for some great plays, giving BR the winning edge. At 15-14, Bishop Ryan served an ace for the victory. BR won the set 16-14.

A great effort was put forth by all team members. A special mention goes to Daniel vanVeen who finally returned to the game after an injury to the hand several weeks ago.

"The game never should have been that close" says vanVeen. Bishop Ryan takes on Cathedral once again tomorrow afternoon,. They hope to add another championship to BR's senior boys volleyball tradition.

Bishop Ryan Advances to Semi-Finals

BR's Senior Boys win three sets straight.

By: Jenna Frank

Tonight, Bishop Ryan's senior boys volleyball team opened up playoff action at home, against St. Mary's.

The BR's starting line up came out strong, and never backed down. Setter, Matt Lewandowski had a great performance the entire game tonight. His jumps serves added momentum to the Celtic lead. Middle hitter, Alex Turkiewicz had a solid performance at the net. Power hitter Jordan Clazzer also was key in the dominating Celtic win.

The boys took three straight sets with scores of 25-12, 25-17 and 25-10.

The senior boys will be in semi-final action next week.

    

  

  



 

Senior Boys Volleyball: Bishop Ryan 2, Cathedral 3

Celtics fall short in overtime

By: Jenna Frank

Last night the senior boys volleyball team took on the undefeated Cathedral Gaels. So far, the Gaels have been the only ones to put a dent in the nearly perfect Celtic season record. The boys were ready for a tough game.

In the first set, the team showed great teamwork, as they together fought hard against the Gaels. The great defense at the net gave the Celtics the edge over Cathedral as they won the set 25-22.

The second set was just as exciting as the boys kept the momentum going. Power hitter Jeremy Bochenek was a force to be wreckoned with at the net. Bishop Ryan took another close set 25-22.

At this point, the pressure was on for both teams as BR could possibly sweep Cathedral three straight sets and end their undefeated record. The sound Celtic performance remained in this third set. Middle hitter Rafal Hyrszko played a great set both as a hitter and key blocker, while libero, Ryan Valconi, gave a solid performance.  Unfortuntely, Cathedral won the set 26-24.

The fourth set was a rough patch for the Celtics, which resulted in a final, tie breaking fifth set. Suddenly, serves became more crucial than ever in this set. After numerous long rallys, the Gaels pushed ahead of BR to win the set, and ultimately the game.

Bishop Ryan's senior team is very confident for playoffs. BR takes on the quarter-final round Friday afternoon at Bishop Ryan.

Orchard Park Defeats Sherwood in Preliminaries

Round One in Volleyball Action
By Bonnie Chen

A solid start, a steady record, and motivated players; these are what make the Sr. Boys Volleyball team so dominant in what they do best. With a regular season of 5-3, the Patriots impressed once more by taking the first win in the preliminaries on home court. The Saint's showed tough competition throughout the entire game but couldn't hold down O.P's rising scores.

In the first set, the Patriots won with a close score of 25-21 with Taylor Black's astounding blocking skills. Another hard earned set was played with another close score of 25-23. Jacob Ohanian and Evan Danks proved Orchard Park was a force to be reckoned with. In the third set, the team knew how badly they wanted the win. Mike McNally came out on top and gave the Patriots thirteen straight points from serving. This allowed the team to defeat the Saints three consecutive sets, with a score of 25-16.
This was a well earned win for Orchard Park as they will continue to excel in playoff action next week.