With the last game of the men’s volleyball season in the books, Providence University College has lowered the curtain on their 2022-2023 season.
The men’s volleyball team had only been eligible for the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) national tournament for one year prior to this season, yet they were already in it to win it this year.
The Pilots entered the tournament as the eighth seed, facing off against the reigning champions, the Camosun Chargers. The Pilots were able to take the first set 25–22 before falling to the Chargers three sets to one.
Their next game was a battle against the Briercrest Clippers in the placement match. The Clippers were dominant from start to finish, taking down the Pilots in straight sets.
In their final match of the tournament, the Pilots met the Collège Sainte-Anne Les Dragons. Providence was in excellent form and able to take the opening set 25–17. Les Dragons responded quickly, though, and won the next three sets.
“The Pilots may not have won a match, but they were able to win two sets,” says Joel Corusey, coordinator for the university’s sports programs. “That’s more than any Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference (MCAC) team has done this far.”
The Pilots didn’t come home emptyhanded. The team was presented with the CCAA Exemplary Leadership Award.
“The Exemplary Leadership Award is given to an individual or a team at the CCAA national championships who demonstrates leadership behaviours that set an example for others to follow,” says the CCAA website. “Recipients must have respect for the rules and spirit of the rules of the sport in pursuit of excellence, respect the officials and show acceptance of their decisions, respect the opponent, exhibit sportsmanlike behaviours and maintain dignity under all circumstances.”
Coursey says that the men’s team has represented Providence well and made the school proud.
Two members of the team received extra recognition. Right side Avery Bergmann and setter Austin Anderson both played in all 11 sets of the tournament and were named as MCAC Athletes of the Week for the week ending March 12.
During their three games at nationals, Bergmann had 33 kills with a .350 percent hitting efficiency, 18 digs, one service ace, and 34 points. He was also named PUC’s Player of the Game in their matchup with Briercrest College.
“Avery played at another level as we entered our playoffs this season,” says head coach Cody Quiring. “His heart, work ethic, and developed skill have all been tremendous and he has become a force for the program. I am thrilled with his work ethic to get better each day on and off the court.”
Anderson made 103 assists for 9.36 assists per set, 23 digs, six service aces, and two blocks in the 11 sets.
“Austin was dynamite all nationals long,” Quiring adds. “He was a steady threat blocking, set the ball super consistently, and made strong decisions when he had the ball in his hands. Austin played some marvellous defence in position one all tournament and extended so many rallies at critical points in our matches. He played phenomenal.”
The athletics program Providence will resume in September of this year.
