Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – The top level of the MacEwan Griffins men's volleyball team has been pretty impressive this season – with many memorable points won. 

But volleyball is a tough marathon challenge where often a thundering kill can be followed up with a serve into the net. All points count the same, no matter how much of a highlight or lowlight.

So, as the Griffins head to Calgary for their final matches of the first semester – at Mount Royal University on Friday (6 p.m.) and Saturday (7 p.m., both Canada West TV) – head coach Brad Poplawski is looking for more repeatability from his squad.

"Our high end has been pretty good, but when things aren't going our way, we … kind of bottom out," he said. "So, I'd like to see less variability in our game and a little more consistency."

That means limiting 3-4 point runs, getting side outs and repeating their strong moments more often.

"We call it backing our skills," explained Poplawski. "So, if I get a kill, I need to go back and make that serve. And if I get the point, I need to get two points in a row. Everything we do, just backing our skills and trusting in our training. 

"We're pretty deep into the season already, this group has played together enough, and we have a decent amount of training under our belt that we should have familiarity with another, and we should have confidence in our abilities."

They're going to need all of that this weekend as the Cougars pose a distinct challenge as a veteran lineup, led by Chris Byam, who played with the national team this past summer.

"I still remember his first year when Max (Vriend) was in his fifth year, and they had a pretty good battle our first night," said Poplawski of the 2019-20 season. "We were able to beat them and then the next night they were able to beat us. I thought that was pretty impressive, as a first year, going toe to toe with one of the best attackers in the conference. 

"We've definitely seen a lot of him through the years. Obviously, when we do our game planning, he's a big focal point, but they also have a very veteran middle in Luis Lange. I coached him for two summers, coached him at Canada Games. He's a very dynamic attacker.

"They're very strong across the board, no weaknesses, so they're definitely going to challenge all parts of your game."

Ultimately, though, the Griffins wouldn't have it any other way. 

They've prepared for this, they're fresh off a bye week full of rest and recovery, and they're embracing the challenge.

"It's obviously been a unique semester and, at times, a steep learning curve, but the guys are working hard," said Poplawski. "They're doing everything the coaching staff is asking. The games are the fun part; you get that challenge. 

"We always talk about enjoying what we do. We get another chance to play another quality opponent. It's unbelievable in Canada West how strong everyone is and enjoy that. Enjoy the opportunity to compete. 

"Competitors compete and that's kind of been our message all year."