ANOTHER MATCH, ANOTHER VICTORY FOR WOLFPACK MVB

(Robin Shoebel hits vs Pepperdine)

For immediate release-January 17, 2009

Kamloops, BC—The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Men’s Volleyball Team have established that the Tournament Capital Center is a very tough place to get a victory if you’re a visiting team.   Unfortunately, the WolfPack have got on a roll at home at the end of the Canada West season. 

Still, things are looking good for Pat Hennelly and his team. After sweeping the Brandon University Bobcats this weekend (Jan 16-17),  TRU has extended its home winning streak to 10 matches (including their 4-0 record at their International Tournament in early January).

On Saturday (Jan 17), the WolfPack took down Brandon in four games. The scores were 25-17,25-22,23-25,25-19.
“I’m finally starting to feel that playing at home is an advantage,” said Hennelly.  “ We ended up 500 and one of our goals was that.  These were especially crucial games against a team which was neck and neck with us.  Obviously, anyone here tonite saw a more than healthy respect for each other. Both teams knew how important the weekend was. I’m grateful that we came out on top”.

The WolfPack had two players with more than 10 kills. “Subway Leader of the Pack” player of the match Gord Perrin (2nd year, outside hitter, Creston, BC) had 19 kills on 38 attempts and three service aces along with five digs.  Robin Schoebel (outside hitter, 3rd year, Monaco) contributed 13 kills on 28 attempts with five errors.  He too had three service aces. 

Hennelly says things are rolling for TRU. “ I think you want to get to a point where you control your side of the net. I think we are doing that. I think when someone gives us a free ball or provides an easy serve or a smaller blocker, we can take advantage of that. The precision we do with that is pretty good. If you look at where we were in October and even early November to where we are now is a natural progression.  I think we are peaking.”

“We didn’t want to leave here without battling that’s for sure,” said Brandon Coach Russ Paddock. “We still have six games left and we want to get better each night.  We tried to show that we were in the same league as TRU, who played great this weekend.”

Brandon was led again by 3rd year left side Paul Sanderson (Melbourne, Austrailia). He had 15 kills on 35 attempts and three service aces.  “ He is pretty much going to be our leader points wise game in and game out,” said Paddock. “ He was a little more effective tonite.” 

Joel Small (4th year, middle, Brandon, Man) had 9 kills.   Kevin Miller (3rd year, left side, Russell Man) and Andrew Korol (5th year, setter, East Selkirk, Man) had 7 kills each. Korol also had 39 assists.

The match Saturday was the final one at home in the regular season for the WolfPack’s lone 5 th year player, Andy Haley (outside hitter, Stony Plain, Alta). “ I didn’t really feel anything until I got out there.  After the first few points, you just settle in and it was just another game”. 

 Haley thought the key to success for TRU this weekend was blocking and block coverage.  “Just little things like that, getting a lot of blocks and when we do get blocked—take it away from them and put out another attack”.
The WolfPack’s record is now 9 and 5 as they head into Trinity Western next weekend (Jan 23-24).  Brandon is 500 at 6 and 6 and entertains Calgary.

SIDE OUT:Paddock on the rest of the schedule:” We knew after Christmas that all our games were against teams ranked in the top 10. It doesn’t get any easier except we are home the next two weekends. We are hoping to build on what we achieved this weekend”.

Hennelly on a possible home playoff date: “ I think with the crowd here and the support and emotion, I would love to have a series here.”

Saturday’s match saw the WolfPack sell beer for the first time. It came off without any incident.

The Broadcast Center “Whap the Wolf” was a big success as well.  Contestants picked out of the crowd included former Mayor and current TRU Professor Terry Lake.  WolfPack Men’s Soccer player Matt Loader won the grand prize of a weekend at Sun Peaks by hitting Wolfie in the head on his second and final serve.