Toilers Sweep Cyclones Ending Regular Season On A High

The Central Cyclones senior boys volleyball team entered play on Thursday night with nothing but bragging rights on the line.

A win or a loss would see the Cyclones end up in first place in the Moose Jaw city league.

For the Peacock Toilers winning meant they would skip next Tuesday’s quarter final and advance to the semifinals. Time to practice and to rest up any injuries.

In the end momentum swung to the Toilers as they defeated the Cyclones in three straight sets 25 - 16, 25 - 9 and a come from behind 25 - 22 victory.

Central Cyclones captain James Tian said it was a tough night for the team.

“It wasn’t our proudest game. But honestly we were mostly resting our guys because this game doesn’t mean as much,” Tian said.

Coming into the game the Cyclones had the top spot sewn up in the Moose Jaw city league. Dropping to a 6 - 2 regular season record was not going to change the standings for the Cyclones.

“We’re just resting right now because a lot of the guys aren’t 100 percent so we’re just trying to take it easy.”

Tian said there wasn’t a lot of players injured but there was a few that they’ll need in the upcoming city league and 4A provincial playoffs.

Asked about the season he said “I think the season has gone pretty well…we’re still in first place after tonight’s loss and we’ve won two tournaments so far.”

Thursday’s loss is not something the Cyclones are happy about.

“It (the loss) doesn’t feel great honestly but it is just one of those games you can’t control what happens,” he said.

Peacock Toilers head coach Jacques Borgeaud tempered his response when it came to the win.

“It was important for us in the standings. Central was first no matter what they did so they were able to change and try some different lineups for them this evening but we still had to make sure we showed up and did our job,” Borgeaud said.

Asked about the win putting the Toilers on the upswing heading into city league and provincial playoffs he saids this win was important. It puts us straight to the semi-final next week instead of the quarter final.”

“It allows us to focus on one game which can help us focus our preparations so it’s important we did well.”

Injury wise the rest will help.

“Physically some guys do need this rest and some guys are trying to look after some injuries. So this extra day of a practice instead of a game will help,” he said.

“We know what we can do. We’re confident in our game and we’re going to keep fighting until the very end…I’m confident we have a group that wants it and can push to have a good game against Briercrest on Thursday.”