Short-handed Griffins show some glimpses of strong play vs. defending champs before falling 3-0

WINNIPEG, Man. – Playing short-handed due to injuries to five of their six season-opening starters against a team full of players coming off the Canada West championship last season, it's fair to say nobody gave the Griffins much of a chance against the Winnipeg Wesmen on Saturday.

But there they were actually holding a lead in Set 2 – their shining moment in what would turn out to be an up-and-down 3-0 defeat (25-14, 25-22, 25-9).

"That second set, we were just engaged in the game," said Griffins head coach Brad Poplawski, who was forced to improvise his lineup after losing kills leader Fabian Breitenbach and captain Seth Birkholz to injuries on Friday. "We had leads but just couldn't close it out. They're a strong team. The bulk of that team won the Canada West championship last year, so they still have that championship DNA and some very good athletes. 

"We kept it close but just couldn't get it over the line."

Yes, the wheels fell off in the third set and the first wasn't overly close, but there were some glimpses of positivity that the young Griffins players who were on the court can build off of.

"Even in the first set, we struggled offensively, but our passers did a much better job to start the match than at any point yesterday," said Poplawski. "Laz (Daylan Laszlo) has obviously been off for the last couple of months because of his injury, which is tough for his first game back. Then he's passing beside two first years in Sol (Solomon Flindall) and Ethan (Pavone). I thought tonight they looked a lot more comfortable together and communicated together. 

"Through two sets, they did a good job of getting the ball to our setters. That was good to see a bounce-back where we at least gave ourselves a chance."

Laszlo led the Griffins with six kills, while Spencer Loucks had four from the right side, where he was moved this weekend to cover Breitenbach's injury.

"Thomas Froberg got his first ever start for us and played the whole match," said Poplawski of another highlight. "I thought that was great for him. He's a guy who has been in our program for a few years and also had some unfortunate injury luck. He missed the first semester. For him to get that experience was good. With Seth out, we need guys to step up. 

"Spencer did a good job on the right again today. And we're just getting Lasz comfortable playing again after such a long break."

The Griffins will head back out on the road next weekend as they visit UBC.