Spikers still looking for first wins

The Muskie junior boys’ volleyball team let one get away last Thursday in Kenora.
The black-and-gold started strong against the host Broncos, winning the first two sets by scores of 25-18 and 25-15 and seemingly well on their way to their first victory of the NorWOSSA campaign.
But the Muskies couldn’t finish off the Broncos, losing the third set by a narrow 25-22 margin before getting soundly beaten in the final two (25-11 and 15-10).
Afterwards, Muskie head coach Greg Ste. Croix pointed to a series of mental errors as the key contributing factors in the loss.
“Too many mental mistakes, not enough strong leadership from the veteran players,” he remarked.
Ste. Croix also was critical of the team’s serving in the loss, noting the Muskies’ four missed serves in the third set were crucial mistakes that cost the team a chance at victory.
The junior boys fell to 0-4 with the loss.
< *c>Seniors inconsistent
Meanwhile, the Muskie senior boys’ volleyball team continues to struggle to find consistency this season.
They had moments of brilliance against a highly-touted Broncos’ team up there last Thursday, especially during the first set—which the black-and-gold won 25-23.
However, the Muskies could not sustain their level of play for the entire best-of-five match and they dropped the next three sets by scores of 25-14, 25-20, and 25-19 to also drop to 0-4 on the season.
But despite the goose egg in the win column, head coach Brian Love is pleased with the team’s progression.
“The first set showed it,” he said of the Muskies’ improvement. “They’ve got the tools and weapons, and it’s just about putting it together.”
Love was particularly encouraged by the black-and-gold’s transition from offence to defence in the first set—citing it as the reason for their victory.
Both volleyball squads resume NorWOSSA action tomorrow in Dryden against the Eagles.