Sports Hope against all odds No repeats Last season, the men’s volleyball team took home provincial gold and placed fifth at the nationals, but this season they don’t have two all-Canadians to hand the game over to. If Ken Kilpatrick and Ken Kleindienst were still around, the Royals would be walking through the provincials and a second consecutive berth in the nationals. Unfortunately for Douglas, neither of these former stars is still with the team, forcing Douglas to go with an almost star-free, albeit more team-centred approach. Moving Ryan Henley from power hitter to setter was a stroke of genius for coach Brian Newman, who now lets his best player touch the ball every offensive possession instead of every third or fourth. Darryl McCrady tore up the BCCAA this year, ranking in the top 10 in the province in both kills and aces per game. His consistency is a major factor in the Royals’ success and will be a key component of their run for provincial gold. In the middle, DC will tum to Justin Harder, Noel Philippot and Darren Gross to stuff the opposition and provide offense at the centre of the net. If Douglas is to have a hope for any medals, its blockers must come through. While they might not have as much talent as last year, Douglas also has heart to go with its athleticism. Their late season match against UCC from Kamloops, proved that this team does not go down easily, as they bit and clawed back from huge deficits twice, eventu- ally winning the match 3-1. The Royals should easily win their first match, but getting past the semis, where they'll face either Camosun or Trinity Western, will be the team’s sternest challenge. If they survive the second round, they should take the gold and walk on to the nationals laughing. Last season, the women’s volleyball team rolled through the regular season and went to the provincials as the tournament favourite. A stunning five game loss to the Okanagon Lakers in the gold medal match denied the Royals a trip to Sherbrooke and the national champion- ships. This year, going in as the underdog, Douglas is looking to wash away the bitter taste of last year and book their tickets to Quebec for the nationals in March. By all accounts, the DC women’s volleyball team has had an awesome year. Unfor- tunately, the Malaspina Mariners (see, “Laughing their way to the playoffs”) decided to have an even better year, not losing a single game all season until C..0. 2G) til TL AM the Royals took two from them two weeks ago in Nanaimo. Being the second seed in this year’s tourna- ment should help the Royals, who couldn't take their top ranking all the way last year. Douglas’ strength this year, as it was last year, is in the middle. However, instead of only having one option, Vesna Rukavina, to rely on to block shots and punch holes through the opposition’s front wall, the Royals can turn to Christine Bonish, last year's DC rookie of the year, and Coralie Hiemstra, who has rebounded from an off year last season to become totally dominant from the opening serve of this campaign. If Douglas plans to be repre- senting BC at the nationals this year, these two need to tC EN To make life a little easier, Coquitlam Centre is offering Douglas College students, staff and faculty a ‘student discount shopping night’. Just show your student ID card to participating retailers when you shop the first Thursday of each month from 5pm to 9pm. List of participating stores available at Customer Service, South Mall. a av COQUITLAM CENTRE making life a little easier 464 8357 be on top of their games all weekend long. On the outside, the Royals have Harninder Reel, a superior power hitter, who can dent the floor with her crushing attacks. Reel is only a rookie, so DC will have to spread the ball around a little, once the opposition begins concentrating on the Royals’ rising star. Bearing the brunt of that load will be third-year hitter Kirsten Homeniuk and another rookie, Rebecca Gares; how they perform will be key to the Royals’ chance for gold. Douglas should be playing in the final match on Saturday night, probably facing Malaspina for the right to go to Sherbrooke and the nationals, only this time, don't look for them to come home with long faces. lee. Starving Student DISCOUNT NIGHT Look for these Savings © and much more! HMV 10% off Poster Plaza 10% off regular priced merchandise The Oak & Brass Room 10% off ProSystems Beauty Centre 20% off Gourmet Muffins 'n More 10% off The Pantry Restaurant menu items Kerrisdale Camera Park Avenue 10% off Cheesesteaks Plus 10% off Cartunes Sound & Cellular 10% off Versailles Jewellers No GST or PST, excludes sale items Pet Habitat 10% off B.B. Watch Service 10% off Le Chateau 10% off regular priced merchandise 14 February 17 1999 the Other Press Discounts not valid with any other promotions. Offers good at Coquitlam Centre only. 25% off regular priced 10% off selected items