By David Boldt
SCISL Weblog
Several crucial contests for the top spots in the league standings are on tap for the coming week, most notably in boys varsity soccer contests on Thursday, which should produce a pair of barn-burners. Buy your tickets early!
Red letter day
The Christian Learning boys varsity soccer team (3-1) could place itself in a commanding position with a win Thursday on its idiosyncratic home field, but it will be facing a resurgent Cambridge team (1-3), and also be without two of its best players, who will be sidelined because of red cards.
In the other contest, both International (2-2) and Co-operative (2-2) are probably savoring memories of the first encounter between the two teams as they prepare for the second. The Griffins, who are the home team this time, will be focusing on how they crafted a 3-1 lead against the Jaguars. The Jaguars will be reminiscing of how they stormed back in the last ten minutes to win the first game, 4-3.
In varsity girls volleyball the undefeated Griffins have already clinched at least a share of first place, and could guarantee sole possession of it by beating Co-operative Thursday in their home gym. Second-place Christian Learning will entertain Cambridge in the other game. Mathematically, Christian Learning, Co-operative, and Cambridge all still have a chance to gain second place.
Finishing first or second in the regular season not only confers bragging rights, but it also gives those teams "home-field advantage" in the first round of the championship playoffs.
Round and round they go . . .
On Tuesday, the topsy-turvy world of varsity girls soccer could either straighten itself out, or go into another strange convolution. Christian Learning and Co-operative will both be favorites as they take on Cambridge and International, respectively. However, both of the underdogs have demonstrated an ability to confound the odds-makers. International will be playing at home. Cambridge, which plays all of its games away due to the lack of a regulation soccer field, will be at Christian Learning.In varsity boys volleyball, International and Christian Learning, which are tied for first place, will be seeking to hone their skills and add to their skein of victories when they take on Co-operative and Cambridge Tuesday. Co-operative, however, could climb back into contention by upsetting International, while winless Cambridge would no doubt relish the role of spoiler if it could surprise Christian Learning.
Drama in junior varsity
In junior varsity competition, possession of first-place will be at stake when Co-operative and International boys teams clash Thursday at International. The Jaguars are undefeated and the Griffins have only one loss.
Much the same situation obtains in junior varsity girls volleyball. The undefeated Griffins take on the 3-1 Jaguars Tuesday, with first-place again in play.
