By Erin Valois
Sports Editor
The men’s volleyball team continued their five game win streak after demolishing York University and the University of Toronto in straight sets this weekend.
In the first game against York, Ryerson came out strong in the first set.
But when York went on a 7-0 run in the second set to make the score 24-21, the Rams came back with four straight points and a kill from Greg Marszalek to claim the set.
From there, the team polished off the third set and beat York for the second time this season.
The U of T game was another 3-0 win for the Rams, moving them into playoff contention and up two places in the league standings from their victories this weekend.
But missing from the lineup is fourth-year player Oleh Kovalchuck. He left the team this semester because of academic reasons.
“It was unfortunate he couldn’t balance both athletics and academics but life goes on,” Porosa said.
“We don’t really have a choice but we’re looking to the future and the playoffs.”
Even without a key player, Porosa is optimistic his team will continue to improve for the remainder of the season.
“We are communicating better and we have less unforced errors,” he said. “We’re carrying the energy from practice to our games and this is important when there’s pressure on both teams to win.”
He said the team got off to a slow start in the first semester because they lost veteran players that helped them out against experienced powerhouse teams like McMaster University.
“We lost a few main players and we had to break new people in,” Porosa said.
“The new guys needed time to adjust.”
But there was one player who seamlessly adjusted to his new role this season. Fifth-year libero Marszalek moved to the power position.
And as for the future, Porosa is looking to the momentum from their winning streak to carry the team into the post-season.
“We need a few more wins on the road but we are executing plays and playing with better tactics,” he said.
“They are really enjoying playing and they celebrate every point they get.”
The men’s volleyball team will try to continue their five game winning streak when they travel to the University of Windsor and the University of Waterloo next weekend.
Playoffs start in the second week of February and the Rams must finish sixth in their division to qualify.
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