Next two games fateful for EYCI
[attach]884[/attach]The next two games will decide the fate of East York Goliaths’ senior boys volleyball playoff hopes.
The Goliaths, 2-4 in the south region standings, are facing two must win games against the Leaside Lancers (0-3) on Oct. 19 and Marc Garneau (0-4) on Oct. 23.
Goliaths head coach Andrew D’Angelo said he is confident his club can get into the post-season.
“I am looking for an all-business attitude,” he said. “We have to come out hard and know that these next two games are must wins for us to even have an opportunity to get into the playoffs.”
The Goliaths post-season hopes took a hit Oct. 14 dropping both sets to the Northern Red Knights (4-1) by scores of 25-22 and 25-21.
In the first set, East York opened to a 9-3 lead, but trailed 10-9 after seven straight points by the Red Knights. The Goliaths did all they could to reverse the tide, but fell short 25-22.
“We have been typically slow starters this year, but (Oct. 13) we didn’t play well against Jarvis and I think the boys wanted to come out to a quick start at home,” said D’Angelo. “They have a couple of really solid players and it was tough to overcome in the end.”
In the second set, East York once again got off to a quick start, but after a couple of defensive miscues Northern took control and never looked back.
“I think our offence is doing a really good job,” he said. “Offensively we have a couple of big boys on the outside that can hit the ball really hard and that has been really working for us so far.
“It has helped us win the couple of games we have and hopefully compete for a playoff spot.”
In order to capitalize on those quick starts, D’Angelo said he wants to see his players work on the finer details.
“Our passing needs to get crisper and higher,” he said. “We also need to cut down on mistakes, there were some unforced errors in that second game.”
If the Goliaths are to have success in their next two games, they will have to rely on the leadership of their two powers: Rahmil Mustafa and Ricky Casipe.
“They give their all on the court,” D’Angelo said. “Both of them were flying all over the place and I am sure (Mustafa) has probably broken his elbow.”
The East York coach hopes their hard work on and off the court rubs off on the younger players on the squad.
“That shows you they are willing to give up their bodies and lay everything on the line for this team and that is what we are looking for in a senior player,” he said.
