Kick-off to 2nd semester!

Hey everyone!

I hope you all had a very merry christmas and a happy new year! Although my time at home was short n sweet afer I finished exams, I had a great time with family and friends, couldn't ask for much better! Our entire team arrived back in freddy (after several delayed flights) on December 29th to start practicing. We practiced for 2 days and then headed down south to St. Pete's Florida to compete in the Alden Cup. The tournament featured ourselves, hosts McMaster, Laval, Calgary, Geulph and Manitoba! Every team played 4 matches (your team wouldn't play the team in your same league conference). Then the champion was selected off matches won, then sets won, then points.

Before I jump into talking about the tournament play, I wanted to talk a bit some of the other team activities we did. On new years day we went to Busch Gardens amusement park, such an unreal day! Some of the biggest roller coasters in the world are at this amusement park so definitely zero dull moments. Our team also hit up the beach pretty much every single day since our resort was RIGHT on the water, and for the most part, the weather was amazing, 23-27 degrees!

Our first match, we faced up against CIS #2 ranked McMaster, who had gone undefeated in the first half of their season. We started off very strong, with solid passing, setting, attacking and defence, we were able to clinch the first 2 sets. As the much progressed, we unfortunately lost 3-2, but needless to say, a fairly good start to the tournament. The next match we faced off against Manitoba and lost 3-0, but with decent set scores, we then played Guelph who defeated us in 4 sets. With our last match left, we faced Calgary which turned out to be a great finish to the entire trip. After dropping the first 2 sets, we were able to rally together and come back and win in 5 sets. The tournament was a great way for our team to start off the second semester and re-assured the depth of our bench in all positions as we had to deal with several different injuries throughout the tournament.

I just wanted to do a big shout out and thanks to all the local parents who drove us from Fredericton-Bangor and vice versa, it really was greatly appreciated by everyone! We arrived back in Fredericton late last night, going from +25 to -20ish with windchill isn't the most ideal weather flip, but still an awesome trip regardless!

Our next time on the court is January 18-19th weekend in halifax when Dalhousie hosts our third interlock play with the Quebec conference. Following that weekend we host Dalhousie and then the weekend after that our team travels to newfoundland to face MUN...the 2nd half of season always is a blur. Be sure to come out and support us the weekend of the 25-26th!

As always, I'm going to introduce you to one of my teammates and fill you in on a bit of info about them. This blog is all about the boy from the west coast, Tristen Burridge. Tristen is a 6'4 leftside hitter original from Fort St. John, BC. He is a talented all around player who will definitely have a very bright future with our program as he continues through his career. Here are a couple fun facts about the kid!

Q: Why did you choose to come to UNB?
A: I choose UNB because when I was recruited, the team seemed very welcoming and made me feel at home right away. Also, both my parents went to UNB along with several of my relatives.

Q What is your favorite moment as a varsity red so far?
A: My favorite moment so far would definitely be hearing Sam (Alves) scream while we were on the roller coasters at Busch Gardens, hilarious!

Q: What is your favorite thing to do back home in B.C.?
A: Chillin with friends and playing volleyball.

I hope everyones first week back to classes isn't too hard on the head and as I mentioned above, come out and show some love for the boys January 25-26th as we host the Dal Tigers at the Currie Center! Cheers,

Costa