After missing the playoffs the last two seasons, the men’s volleyball team bounced back this year with a 4-12 record to book a spot in playoff action.
“My biggest goal for our team this year was to make the playoffs, and we were able to do that,” says head coach, Dan Ota. “We had to make considerable progress in order to do that this year, so I’m happy with that.”
The Tigers had strong seasons from many athletes including Michael Donovan who finished fourth in the RSEQ in kills per set and seventh in aces per set, earning him his first RSEQ first team all-star selection. Josh DeYoung had a breakout second season averaging 3.2 points this year. First-year Lucas Condon-Oldreive was fourth in the conference in blocks per set and hitting percentage and earned a spot on the U SPORTS all-rookie team for his efforts. First-year libero Owen Tran was second in the conference in digs per set.
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“Our players being among league leaders in statistical categories is an indicator of our team’s progress,” says Ota. “For our team to win more matches, these players must be even better next season.” The team was very young this year with everyone in their first or second years of eligibility with the exception of fourth-year Quinton Dowling and third-year Ted Graveson. This led to some growing pains, but when it came to crucial matches against UNB to secure the final playoff spot, Dal bested the REDS each of their four encounters. They also made progress against the strong Quebec teams, taking set wins off Laval twice and Sherbrooke once. “It was a big step for us to be competitive with some very good teams this season,” says Ota. “It’s an even bigger step to be |
able to win those close matches (against the Quebec teams), and we’re not there yet.”
In the playoffs, Dalhousie went up against a powerhouse Sherbrooke team. They lost the best two-out-of-three series in two games, losing in straight sets twice. The Tigers started each set well, usually within a point of Sherbrooke through the first 10 points, but then the second-ranked team in the country would pull ahead.
“To play on the road in playoffs against the eventual U SPORTS silver medallists is trial by fire for our young team, but we need to continue to be exposed to that environment if we are to eventually get over that bar.”
Most of the team is eligible to return, but they will be without graduating setter and captain Quinton Dowling. Ota has high praise for his captain.
“Quinton has been a leader on and off the court. He was called to be a team captain at a very early stage in his career, and experienced playoff volleyball in his first and final seasons. He set the bar high for his teammates, and his presence will be missed.”
The young Tigers will look to build off their trip to the playoffs this season and become a greater force in the RSEQ next year.
2022-23 Men's Volleyball Award Winners
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| Tiger of the Year - Quinton Dowling | Team MVP - Michael Donovan |
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| Rookie of the Year - Lucas Condon-Oldrieve | Spirit Drum |