Great start to the 2018 Ontario Volleyball Championships Provincials!! Milton Edge’s 14u Razor boys took first place in Division 1, Tier 2. Congratulations Razors!
See the article in the Milton Canadian Champion
The 14U Razor’s Edge boys will once again be taking their game to the national stage.
Living up to some high expectations after last year’s success, Milton claimed their second straight Ontario Volleyball Association Division 1, Tier 2 title at Waterloo’s Rim Park.
Led by co-captains Sam Nissan and Max Tsiapalis, the Razor’s Edge clinched gold with a dramatic three-set victory over the Oakville Thunder — whom they knocked off in last season’s semis.
“Learning the mindset to win and how to develop the team B.R.I.E.F. (Belief, Ritual, Intensity, Emotion, Focus) strategy was key to our success,” said head coach Gus Tsiapalis, who leads the team alongside assistant coaches Michael Cameron and Raphael Lloren.
Rahmane Ouattara closed out a 15-11 tiebreaker with back-to-back kills — the latter set up by Ryan Smith — after the Thunder staved off the sweep with a 26-24 win.
Tsiapalis delivered some big serves while Ouattara and Jaten Mahil came up with huge kills for a 25-20 game-one decision.
Nissan capped a big game-two rally with a fierce hit, while Isaac Wiliszewski offered some impressive serves. Setting and key digs were provided by Noah McDonald.
Following a 2-2 run in pool play — with both losses coming in three sets, the latter to eventual Tier 1 champion Barrie — the Razor’s Edge dispatched Markham Unity in straight sets before toppling rival Hamilton Mac 26-24, 25-14.
That was thanks to big hitting from Ouattara and Dennis Cota, and consistent serving by Nissan, McDonald and Marko Nedev.
Rahim Ouattara missed the provincials due to injury.
