The first semester of the OUA Volleyball season always seems to fly by as an action packed November gets the ball rolling. The Excalibur were dealt a tough travel schedule to start the season with the women travelling all the way to Thunder Bay for their first game under new Head Coach Rusty Haines, before being joined the following weekend by the men's team on the road to North Bay and Toronto for matches against Nipissing and York. A home and away against the always strong Ryerson Rams and Toronto Varsity Blues saw both teams come up just short in finding the win column in their first few weekends.

This past weekend, both teams would face steep challenges against the visiting Queen's Gaels on Saturday. The men were pushed the Gaels hard, and were unlucky to not take a set in the third. Third-year OH Brandon Edmondson (Peterborough, ON) had a very strong night with a hitting percentage of .556 (6K, 1E, 9TA). On the women's side, the team was confident playing a Gaels team that they split a home and away against in the pre-season, but could not find a way to overcome a strong defense.

On Sunday, the women's team would play a solid 5 setter to ensure that they did not head into the break winless. Both teams played some long rallies with good attacks but even stronger defense. The Excalibur were led by fourth year Social Work student Camile Garzon (Richmond Hill, ON), with a season high 19 kills and 10 digs. An all around fantastic night for Garzon. 

The teams will continue training as the December exam and holiday season approach. Both teams will be back in action when teh Waterloo Warriors visit Peterborough on Saturday, January 12, 2018. Game times are 6 & 8pm.

#BleedGreen