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Maverick Gators win OCVL Tier 1
2010-04-17
The Match was an exciting event with a full house at Ashbury College. The opponent Oakwood was the number 2 seed coming in to the playoffs while the Gators were ranked 6th. To get here the Gators took out the number three seed Lunchpails and the number four seed Onion Patch.
The Gators looked a little camera shy during warm-up as quite a few passes sets and hits missed their mark. The game is being broadcast tonight at 8:00 pm on Rogers channel 22. The jitters soon passed ans the game began and the whistles started blowing.
The first set started with the Gators trailing most of the way to 20 but at that point some great blocking an excellent play selection pushed them over the top 25-23. Second set was pretty much all Gators from start to finish while the third was the most exciting. Trailing 24-21 the Gators stormed back to take a 26-25 lead. A couple of bounces and touches later Oakwood had taken the game 28-20.
Heading into the 4th both teams look pretty exhausted and no one knew who would come out hot. Answer- Maverick Gators took off from the opening serve and lead 18-12 at one point. THe crowd pretty much ready to hand the win over but Oakwood had other thoughts. Tied at 23-23 the tension was high pitched. A few exchanges and key blocks put the Gators over the top 26-24 and the championship was there's, first since 2000.
THis marked the second Maverick crest to be mounted on the trophy as the 1989 title was taken by the 20u Posse. (Back in the days of grade 13, that team boasted three Team Ontario Members)
In the crowd were many current Mav players and coaches. The 18u Mustangs showed up to support(?) their coach James Battiston in his efforts. After some good natured ribbing in the first set the boys turned on the cheering and helped pump up the big 6'8" middle. He responded with one of his best performances of the season.
Also on the Gators roster was our 14u boys coach , Karch MacLean who on Friday was coaching in Waterloo. a generous offer by a team mate flew him home for the match and after winning he turned right around and flew back to Waterloo to continue with the Bandits.
Missing from the Gators line-up was Ron Clarke our 14u Girls coach who stayed in Waterloo with his team for provincials. Ron is recovering from a dislocated shoulder and would have seen limited time so therefore chose to remain at the coaching helm. But his support was coming in loud and clear after each set as we texted him the results.
Notables on the roster were, Matt Lorrain '03 grad from Mavs and Kevin Graham a member of that same 89 Posse championship team and an original Maverick in 1985. A poetic justice in the 25th year of the club.
We are all hoping the Gators can come join in the celebration on June fourth at the Maverick Year End Banquet / Alumni Reunion.