As the sixth seed entering last week’s Canadian Colleges Athletic Association men’s volleyball championships, the host Douglas College Royals had room to prove their mettle.
They did just that, nearly scoring a medal in the process.
The Royals didn’t look just ‘happy to be here,’ as they posted a solid 2-2 record over the three-day tournament.
In all but their final loss -- 3-0 to the Fanshaw Falcons -- Douglas College were in good position to win.
Although they were swept 3-0 by Fanshawe, the New Westminster-based hosts pushed the Ontario champions in each game before falling (25-22, 25-20, 25-20). Libero Zach Or of Burnaby was chosen Douglas’ player of the game.
Ranked as high as fourth late last month, Douglas entered the nationals after losing a heartbreaking five-set thriller to the Camosun Chargers.
However, the start was eerily, and disappointingly familiar.
Quebec’s Titans de Limoilou, seeded third, overcame a 2-1 Douglas advantage to advance to the winner’s bracket with a 3-2 (16-25, 25-22, 20-25, 25-20, 15-13) triumph.
In the marathon match, second-year outside hitter Carson Heppell was named the Royals’ player of the game.
A day later, Douglas bounced back in a big way and used all five sets to stop seventh seed Keyano Huskies 3-2 (25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-11).
Earning player of the game honours was outside hitter Kristian Currie.
In a crucial contest to see who would play for bronze, the Royals earned a rematch against B.C. champion Camosun on Friday.
Despite dropping the first set, Douglas resoundedly answered back and pulled out a polished if somewhat dramatic 3-1 decision (21-25, 25-20, 25-17, 27-25). Heppell picked up his second player of the game award.
Although they didn’t get to walk off the court with a medal in their match with Fanshawe, Douglas did itself proud in how it competed amongst the best in the nation.
Third-year veteran George Thompson was named to the second all-star team.
