Royals fight all the way to the finish with 4th place finish at PACWEST Championships

In a season full of uncertainties, the Douglas Royals men's volleyball team has shown time and time again what it means to play with heart and for one another. Finishing second in the conference after a strong season, the men hoped to come out successful in the provincial championships.

After a semi-final loss to the Camosun Chargers on Friday evening, the Royals men found themselves competing for a bronze medal Saturday against the #4 ranked College of the Rockies Avalanche. 

The first set saw Douglas starting out strong after a great show of offense from rookie outside hitter #4 Owen Lam who looked unstoppable at the net. The men would fight their way to a 27-25 finish. Unfortunately, this would be the only set they grabbed in the match as the Avalanche fought back in the 2^nd to win it 25-26 and obtained the lead in the 3^rd right after with a 25-19 finish.

The early fourth looked promising for the Royals as they stayed right with the Avalanche for the former half of the set. However, COTR was quick to capitalize right after a couple of self-inflicted errors by Douglas to retain the lead and eventually close out the set and match 25-16.

It is significant to say that the Royals did not go down without a fight. Rookie setter #8 Tyson Koop stepped up in his first collegiate championships, putting up a strong serving game and moved the ball between all positions on the court to run a diverse offense. 4^th year middle blocker and PACWEST Second Team All-Star #12 Greg Moore came onto the court in every set with huge energy, showing strong leadership when on the sideline and putting the ball down in key moments to accumulate a total of 7 kills. Additionally, PACWEST All-Rookie member #5 Lucas Sansone was a big net-front presence that played a role in shutting down some of the Avalanche offense with well-timed blocks.

Senior libero #1 Nick Hansen was also a rock for the team, keeping the ball alive and the team motivated by being a positive presence. Meanwhile, #17 outside hitter Ben Shand led the team with 10 kills. He and fellow senior Hansen left it all out on the floor in the final matches of their outstanding careers and exhibited why they have been such an integral part of the Royals program over the past 5 years.

Following the match, #4 outside hitter Owen Lam was named the PACWEST Player of the Match after arguably his best game of the season.

Although the 4^th place finish was not the result the Royals had hoped for, the team gave it their all especially after losing a key member very late in the season in PACWEST Player of the Year and Top Outside Hitter, #6 Matt Shand.

With so much young and explosive talent, the Douglas Royals men's volleyball program promises a bright future. They will be back, better than ever.