WolfPack at CIS Volleyball Nationals

February 22, 2009

For the second year in a row, the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack will open the CIS National Men’s Volleyball Championships against a team from the East.  The WolfPack, who captured the bronze medal at the Canada West Final Four this weekend will take on the Ontario Champions: the McMaster Mauraders.

The WolfPack go in ranked at number six. Coach Pat Hennelly says the sixth seed is justified. “It will be a great first round match versus the Ontario champs, McMaster. If we’re successful we would play either Laval or Winnipeg; two known teams. The draw looks good and I am looking forward to getting this tournament going.”

In 2008, the WolfPack were pitted against the host team and Quebec League Champions: The Laval Rouge et Or.

The tournament rankings are as follows: Defending CIS champions and host team, Alberta Golden bears are ranked first and will play the eigth ranked University of New Brunswick in their first match.  Laval is rated second and will do battle with the seventh ranked Winnipeg Wesmen.  The other first round match up has the fourth seeded Brandon University Bobcats doing battle with fifth rated Dalhousie Tigers out of Nova Scotia.

The CIS Nationals begin Thursday, Feb. 26 with the CIS awards banquet.

The WolfPack play McMaster Friday at 3:30pm at the University of Alberta. Saturday and Sunday’s game times depend on Friday’s results. All the games at this year’s tournament are webcast.