Men's Volleyball
BCCAA All-Stars
February 27, 2006
Cheyla Reader of the women's volleyball team and Chad Friesen of the men's volleyball team were both awarded a BCCAA All-Star award for their play during the 2005-06 season.
Cheyla, a 2nd year power hitter from Comox BC, was selected as a 1st Team All-Star. As team captain, the 5’11” Reader has worked extremely hard and has become a premier player in many facets of her game. She has contributed significantly to the 'Cats program, offensively as one of the top hitters in the league and defensively, with uncanny athleticism and work ethic to dig balls.
Chad, a 1st year player from Abbotsford, is a high-flying outside hitter who has become one of the premier players in the BCCAA. He was awarded a 2nd Team All-Star award. Friesen finished 3rd in league kills and 5th in aces. His most notably performance was at the BCCAA Provincial quarter-finals when the #6 'Cats upset the #3 Capilano Blues 3-2. Friesen was unstoppable and had a career game that included 24 kills on 31 attempts. His efforts earned him a tournament all-star award.
BCCAA Men's Bronze Medal Match
February 25, 2006
#6 CBC vs. #5 Okanagan
The Lakers fought back from a two set deficit to take the bronze medal in an entertaining game where neither team was willing to back off.
In the first set the Lakers and Bearcats exchanged points in the early going and shared the lead. Chad Friesen’s block gave the ‘Cats a 10-9 advantage but a kill by Jeff Cundy tied the game at 10. The Lakers built a 15-12 lead when Tim Demant called a timeout for the ‘Cats. Dean Rozema’s kill made it 15-13, but Chad Hunter responded with a cross –court attack for a 16-13 lead. The Lakers led 19-15 but two kills by Steve Berkenpas and Lakers error made it 19-18. Rozema tied the game at 19 when the Lakers called a timeout. The ‘Cats continued to pour it on with some tough serving by Chad Friesen to lead 21-19. The Lakers tied the game at 22 with Westgate serving and took the lead 23-22 on an overpass by the ‘Cats. A back row attack by Friesen tied the game at 23, but a missed serve by Berkenpas gave the Lakers set point. Both teams would exchange points on great rallies until the Lakers pulled out a 26-24 win.
The ‘Cats started with an early surge in the second set and led 7-2. The Lakers built some momentum of their own and tied the game at 10, forcing CBC to call their first timeout. CBC led 17-14 and with some aggressive serving by Berkenpas extended the lead to 20-14. The ‘Cats continued to cruise and took the set 25-18.
There was a flurry of action to start the third set as each team was forced to earn their points. The ‘Cats took a 10-8 lead after two errors by the Lakers but that gap was narrowed to one on a setter dump by setter Kerry Tarnow. Chad Friesen stepped up with some aggressive serving that included two aces to give the ‘Cats a 14-9 lead. CBC maintained a comfortable lead at 22-14 on a kill by Friesen. Some tough serving by Kyle Westgate brought the Lakers close from 24-18 to 24-22 until Michael Kroeker put the set away for a 25-22 CBC win.
The Lakers used some of their momentum that they gathered to take a 10-5 lead in the fourth set. Two unforced errors in a row brought the ‘Cats to 13-10, but the Lakers scored the next two points to lead 15-10. The Lakers led 17-12 but a block by Kit Williams and setter dump by Phil Wiens brought the ‘Cats to 17-14. The blocking by the ‘Cats helped them tie the game at 18 and take the lead on another dump by Wiens. With CBC leading 20-18, the Lakers scored two straight to tie the game at 20. Both teams would go toe-to-toe and a block by Hunter gave the Lakers a 22-21 lead. They went up 23-22 on a Hunter kill, but Dean Rozema tied the game at 23 with a shot down the line. A missed served by Ewald gave the Lakers set point, but once again Rozema responded with a kill. Hunter came up with another kill for set point, but missed his serve on the next play to tie the game at 25. The Lakers scored the next two points to win 27-25 and force a fifth.
The Lakers led 6-4 in the fifth and extended the lead to 7-4 on a block by James Stewart. Michael Kroeker replaced Williams in the middle and he came up with a kill on the next play. Friesen scored to close the gap to 7-6, but a kill by Cundy put the Lakers up 8-6. A monster kill by Ewald put the ‘Cats within two, and an unforced error by the Lakers made the score 10-9. The Lakers led 12-9 when CBC called their second timeout. A Hunter kill put the Lakers up 13-9, and he followed that up with a block to make it set point. Rozema scored to make it 14-10, but Hunter put the match away with a kill to make the final score 15-11.
'Cats bounced by Chargers
February 24, 2006
The CBC Bearcats men's volleyball team lost 3-0 to the #2 Camosun Chargers 25-20, 25-23, 25-23.
The Chargers built an early lead in the first set. With the score 14-12 the Chargers scored off a block to make it 15-12. In the next play Chargers John Golloway blocked Chad Friesen to make it 16-12.
The Chargers extended their lead 18-14 on a Friesen hitting error. The ‘Cats called their first timeout when Golloway scored on a tip to make it 19-14. With the score 20-15, Golloway scored again off the CBC block to put the Chargers up 21-15. Joel Ewald, who was playing after dislocating his thumb on Thursday, served an ace to make it 23-18, and Steve Berkenpas made a block to make it 23-19. A tip by Brian Riesdtra made the score 24-19, but Berkenpas made a big kill to make it 24-20. Golloway’s back-row attack gave the Chargers the 25-20.
CBC middle Joel Ewald had a monster kill to give the ‘Cats an 8-7 lead in the second set. The Chargers maintained a narrow 17-15 lead until Ewald put the ‘Cats to within one, 17-16. Steve Berkenpas followed that up with a stuff block to tie the game at 17. With the Chargers leading 22-19, Dan Goodburn put a kill of the block to make it 23-19. Kit Williams made a block to make it 23-21, but a missed serve by Dean Rozema made it 24-21. Friesen scored two in a row to make it 24-23 before the Chargers called a timeout. John Golloway’s back-row attack gave the Chargers a 25-23 win.
Both teams would not give up much early in the third set. The Chargers led 11-10, but a missed serve by Galloway made it 11-11. Brian Reidstra had a big kill in the middle to make it 13-11. The Chargers led 16-13, but a kill by Rozema made it 16-14. Some timely blocks by Golloway and steady serve receive put the Chargers up 19-14 before CBC called a timeout. With the Chargers leading 20-15, Phil Wiens made a block to make it 20-16. Friesen blocked Galloway to make it 22-18, but a kill by Reidstra made it 23-18. Friesen made an ace to make it 23-20, but Galloway’s attack made it 24-20. A Berkenpas kill and back-to-back blocks by Kit Williams made the score 24-23. The Chargers scored on the following play to give them the 3-0 victory.
Men's Volleyball into Semi's
February 23, 2006
#6 Bearcats upset #3 Capilano Blues
The defending BCCAA Champions Capilano Blues were bounced from the playoffs by the host Columbia Bearcats. The 'Cats lost the first two sets 19-25, 16-25 before bouncing back to win the next three and sting the Blues, 25-20, 25-19, 15-10.
First-year rookie Chad Friesen had a career high 24 kills while veteran Dean Rozema had 14. CBC middle Joel Ewald was replaced early in the first set after dislocating his thumb. His replacement, Steve Nickel, stepped up with 5 kills and some timely blocks.
The 'Cats will be taking on the #2 Camosun Chargers in Friday's semi-final at 3:00 pm.
Weekend Split
February 19, 2006
The men's volleyball team won 3-1 on Friday but lost 0-3 on Saturday to close out their regular season.
In Friday's win the 'Cats won 25-20, 25-14, 19-25, 25-23. Chad Friesen led the team with 13 kills, 2 stuff blocks and 3 aces. Rightside hitter Steve Berkenpas has 11 kills while Dean Rozema and Drew McKay each had 9 digs.
CBC came out flat on Saturday by losing three straight to the 7th ranked Royals, 25-21, 25-22, 25-18.
The 6th place 'Cats will take on the #3 ranked Capilano Blues in the quarter-finals on Thursday, February 23 at 3:00 pm at Columbia Place. The winner advances to the semi-finals against the #2 ranked Camosun Chargers.
The 'Cats defeated Capilano 3-0 on November 18, but lost 3-2 the following night.
Storm Warning
February 12, 2006
The men's volleyball team was defeated by the College of the Rockies Avalanche (Crabrook) on Friday and Saturday.
In Friday's contest, the Avalanche downed the 'Cats 3-1, 25-16, 17-25, 25-21, 25-10. CBC had trouble finding their rhythm and could not muster much of an attack. Steve Berkenpas led the team with a team high 6 kills.
The 'Cats recharged for Saturday's game and brought some offensive punch. BCCAA rookie of the year candidate Chad Friesen led the team with 18 kills, while 4th year graduating hitter Dean Rozema had 15. 6'6" middle Steve Nickel was a force, racking up 12 kills and 5 stuff blocks.
Despite the effort, the Avalanche (10-6) defeated CBC (4-10) in 5 sets, 25-21, 25-27, 20-25, 26-24, 15-11.
The 'Cats are off to Douglas College (3-11) next weekend for their final two league games of the season before hosting provincials February 23-25.
Experience a Key
January 29, 2006
The top ranked Malaspina Mariners showed their experience this weekend as they handed the men's volleyball team a pair of losses.
CBC lost 3-0 in Friday's contest, 25-17, 25-22, 26-24. Chad Friesen and Joel Ewald led the team with 7 kills.
On Saturday, the Bearcats showed a little more determination and took the Mariners to the full five sets but were defeated 3-2, 25-23, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-10. Friesen tallied 12 kills and 10 digs while libero Kevin Loewen and setter Phil Wiens led the team with 11 digs.
The 'Cats have a bye in league February 3 and 4, but will be hosting Walla Walla College for a pair of exhibition games this week. Game times go Thursday at 8 pm and Friday at 2 pm at Columbia Place.
League play resumes February 10 and 11 against College of the Rockies.
Down to the Wire
January 21, 2006
The men's volleyball team lost a close five set decision to the visiting UCFV Cascades on Friday.
CBC took the first set 25-23 and continued to roll in the second set by winning 25-19. The Cascades showed their determination and came back to win the third set 25-21 and the fourth 25-20 to force a fifth and deciding set. In the fifth set, the Cascades jumped out to a 5-1 lead and led for most of the set. UCFV led 14-11, but the 'Cats scored two straight points to make it 14-13, due to some tough serving by Steve Berkenpas. UCFV outside hitter Dennis Bokenfohr hit the game winner in the next play to give the Cascades the win.
Chad Friesen and Joel Ewald led the charge for CBC, with 11 kills each. Friesen also led the team with 17 digs.
The loss drops the 'Cats to 4-6 while the win improves UCFV to 4-4 in league action.
Split Decision
January 15, 2006
The men's volleyball team ended their weekend series against the Okanagan Lakers on high note, defeating their opponent 3-0.
The Bearcats (3-5) swept the #7 nationally ranked Lakers (6-3) by scores 25-23, 25-23, 25-20. 2nd year middle Joel Ewald paced the 'Cats with a team high 13 kills while rookie outside hitter Chad Friesen tallied 11 kills and 9 digs.
In the opening game on Friday, the Lakers got away with one by defeating the 'Cats 3-2. Scores of the match were 17-25, 25-21, 18-25, 25-22, 15-12.
"We had a couple glitches on Friday, but today we took control of the game and didn't allow the Lakers to get back into it," commented head coach Tim Demant.
The Bearcats host the UCFV Cascades on Friday, January 20 at 7:30 pm.
California Tour
January 9, 2006
The men's volleyball team spent four days in sunny California and come home with 2 wins and 1 loss.
Columbia started the tour with a 3-0 loss to Hope University. First year outside hitter Steve Berkenpas led the way with 9 kills.
In their next contest, CBC defeated Medaille 3-1, 23-30, 30-20, 30-27, 30-19. Chad Friesen led the charge with 16 kills.
The 'Cats wrapped up the tour with a 3-0 win over a UCLA club team. Berkenpas was a threat on the outside and finished with 19 kills while Friesen racked up 10 kills on the outside. Dean Rozema led the team with 7 digs.
CBC hosts Okanagan to resume league play on January 13 at 7:30 pm and 14 at 2:30 pm.
On a Roll
November 27, 2006
The men's volleyball team has won 3 of its last 4 games after winning two games this weekend against the College of New Caledonia Kodiaks.
The 'Cats opened the weekend with a 3-0 win, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21. Chad Friesen led the team with 12 kills.
On Saturday the 'Cats defeated the Kodiaks 3-1 by scores 25-21, 21-25, 26-24, 25-22. Friesen once again led the charge with 18 kills and 3 stuff blocks. Drew McKay had 11 kills and 10 digs.
With a 3-4 record, the 'Cats sit in 6th place in the BCCAA standings. They are now training for a trip to California in early January and resume league play January 13 and 14 against Okanagan.
Friesen leads charge
November 20, 2005
Chad Friesen, the high-flying outside hitter, helped the 'Cats defeat the #3 nationally ranked Capilano Blues 3-0.
The Bearcats dismantled the Blues in three straight sets on Friday, winning by scores 36-34, 25-22, 25-23. Friesen led the team with 15 kills and 3 stuff blocks while Dean Rozema followed up with 7 kills.
On Saturday the 'Cats put up another battle, taking the Blues to five sets, only to lose in a nail-biter. The Blues prevailed 3-2 by scores 25-23, 22-25, 25-18, 17-25, 15-10.
Friesen paced Columbia (1-4) with 16 kills while middle Joel Ewald had 7 kills and 4 stuff blocks.
'Cats meet Chargers
November 14, 2005
The CBC men's volleyball team was looking for two victories this weekend against the Camosun College Chargers.
In Friday's match, the Chargers jumped out to a quick start, winning the first two games 25-18, 26-24 before the 'Cats woke up and won the next two 25-17, 25-19 to force a fifth and deciding set. In the fifth, the Chargers prevailed 15-12. Chad Friesen led the team with 17 kills, while Drew McKay had 11 kills and 14 digs. Middle Joel Ewald was solid, racking up 11 kills and 3 stuff blocks.
In the rematch on Saturday, the 'Cats won the first set 26-24 before falling in the next three, 25-22, 25-12, 25-23.
Friesen led the team with 12 kills and 8 digs, while 4th year outside hitter Dean Rozema had 9 kills and 8 digs. Ewald paced the 'Cats in the middle with 9 kills.
The 'Cats (0-3) host the undefeated Capilano College Blues (2-0) this weekend, November 18 and 19. Game times go at 6 and 8 pm.
Missed Opportunity
November 5, 2005
The CBC men's volleyball had some opportunities to put away the #11 nationally ranked UCFV Cascades but instead their cross-town rival prevailed by winning 3-0. The Cascades won by scores 25-19, 27-25, 26-24.
Men's Volleyball Preview
November 3, 2005
The 'Cats will be looking to get back to the top, and begin their quest this weekend.
The Columbia men’s volleyball team is looking to get back to the top of the BCCAA league standings after a trying 2004-05 season where the team finish with a 3-17 league record. With the return of some key veteran players such as outside hitters Dean Rozema, Kevin Loewen, Phil Wiens, and middles Michael Kroeker and Joel Ewald, the ‘Cats will have some experience to rely on.
Head coach Tim Demant, entering his 8th season at the helm, has tasted success before, leading his team to a BCCAA provincial silver medal and CCAA national bronze medal in 2003-04. The 2-time BCCAA men’s volleyball coach of the year award winner has added some strong young talent to surround his veteran players that bring size and a lot of competitiveness to the floor.
New to the team is high-flying outside hitter Chad Friesen (Yale), 6’7” middle Steve Nickel (Delta Sec.), 6’1” outside hitter Drew McKay (Fraser Valley Christian), 6’5” middle Kit Williams (MEI) and 6’6” right side player Steve Berkenpas (MEI). Berkenpas was selected in May to tryout for the Canadian Youth National Team. All played club volleyball for head coach Tim Demant this past spring where the team finished 2nd in B.C. and 9th at nationals in May.
Rounding out the roster is David Dreger (Edmonton) and Dale Teigrob (Port Rowan, ON).
The ‘Cats begin league play this Saturday at UCFV.
'Cats win Royal Marathon
October 29, 2005
The men's volleyball team completed their preseason exhibition schedule with a 3-2 win over the visiting Douglas College Royals.
Scores of the match were 25-19, 23-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12.
4th year outside hitter Dean Rozema led his team with 12 kills while 1st year outside hitter Chad Friesen had 11. MEI graduate Steve Berkenpas had 8 kills and 2 blocks.
The 'Cats begin league play this weekend against cross-town rival UCFV on Saturday November 5. Women play at 6 pm followed by the men at 7:30 pm.
Bearcats vs. Spartans
October 20, 2005
Up against the CIS silver medalists, the CBC men's volleyball team had their work cut out for them tonight.
The Trinity Western University Spartans proved too much for the younger and less experienced Bearcats, winning in three straight sets 25-18, 25-16, 25-14 in front of a crowd of 700 people.
6'6" right side hitter Steve Berkenpas led the 'Cats with 7 kills and 2 stuff blocks. Outside hitter Drew McKay was equally impressive, coming up with some solid digs throughout the game and tallying 5 kills.
The Bearcats are taking part in the Douglas College exhibition tournament this weekend before beginning league play November 5 at UCFV.
Volleyball Hosts CIS Silver Medalists
October 16, 2005
The CBC men's volleyball team will have their work cut out for them when they host the Trinity Western University Spartans on Thursday, October 20.
The Spartans, who finished with a silver medal at the CIS National Championships last season, are coming off wins over BYU, Lewis University, and Pepperdine at the University of Alberta October 14/15. Their lone loss of the tournament was to the UCLA Bruins, 3-1.
Game time is 8:00 pm at Columbia Place. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors, children 12 and under are free.
Best Ever Finish at Red Deer Tourney
October 11, 2005
The men's volleyball team had a successful weekend at the Red Deer College Tournament, finishing 6th out of 18 teams.
With a 5-3 record, this is the best finish for the 'Cats in the three years they have competed.
Columbia opened the tournament with 2-0 wins over Portage (25-17, 25-13), Lethbridge (25-16, 29-27), and Canadian Mennonite University (26-24, 26-24). Their lone loss came to the hands of the defending national champions, Red Deer College, in straight sets.
With a second place finish in their pool, the 'Cats met up against Thompson Rivers University, a school playing at the CIS level, and defeated them 2-1 (23-25, 25-20, 15-13). First year outside hitter Chad Friesen led the 'Cats with 6 kills, while 6'6" right-side hitter Steve Berkenpas had 5 kills; Dean Rozema and Drew McKay had 4 kills.
The Bearcats lost 3-0 (25-21, 25-19, 25-13) to Red Deer College alumni before defeating Grande Prairie 3-1 (20-25, 25-19, 31-29, 25-20). Friesen had a solid game on the outside, racking up 16 kills and 2 stuff blocks while 4th year player Rozema had 11 kills; Berkenpas had 6 kills.
Playing for fifth place, the 'Cats lost 2-0 (25-23, 26-24) to Camosun College. 6'7" middle player Steve Nickel made his presence felt, leading his team with 7 kills and 2 blocks.
The 'Cats will be playing at the Douglas College tournament October 21/22 and will host Douglas College in exhibition play on Saturday, October 29 at 8:00 pm. League play begins Saturday, November 5 at UCFV.
