Cougars prowling for playoffs

[attach]2679[/attach]The push for playoff seeding is on for Marc Garneau Cougars.

Fighting fang and claw with Northern Red Knights Oct. 20, the Thorncliffe area school lost 2-0 (25-19, 25-21).

Not deterred by defeat, coach Loera McIntyre said the close match would provide the needed momentum heading into their game against Jarvis Bulldogs.

“It was nice to see them play neck-and-neck with a team like Northern,” she said. “We’ve come a long way in the past couple of years, I’m just proud it was a close game. That’s all I can ask for.”

With the defence performing under the heavy spikes and crosses eschewed by the Red Knights, it was up to the service.
And that was lacking, McIntyre said.

“We should go and serve about 50 each at our next practice,” she said. “I think that’s what held us back … and just cleaning up the game.”

Though putting the ball in play was an inconsistency, Lavethen Srinithiananthasing provided stable fortification at the net and setter David Brown controlled errant passes.

Penetrating the Cougars blockade was Northern’s middle combo Reed Patterson and Alex Ardelean.

Coach Bruce Monick lauded his charges, adding setter Gabe Lash played a big role in the assault.

“Of course those quick attacks they were getting would not have happened if it wasn’t for our setter,” he said.

Concerned his troupe would rust when trailing, Monick was proven otherwise.

“They started to come back when they were behind,” he said. “In the past when we started to get behind, we were unable to recover.
“This time they regained their composure and confidence to play under control.”

Monick was reticent to comment on the playoffs, as the Red Knights have yet to qualify. However, once there, he is optimistic. They faced Rosedale Heights Oct. 25, winning (score) and Riverdale Raiders Oct. 27.

After Jarvis on Oct. 22, the Cougars have North Toronto, Rosedale Heights and Lawrence Park to handle. Currently 1-4, Marc Garneau needs two more wins to lock up a spot for the next round.

“We’re hoping to make the playoffs,” McIntyre said. “We have about four games left and hopefully we’ll slide in.”