SENIOR BOYS VOLLEYBALL
2005 KASSAA - EOSSAA Champions
4th at OFSAA Championships
Team Index
Schedule
Photos
Past Champs
2005 Senior Boys Volleyball Team
KASSAA / EOSSAA Champions
4th Place in OFSAA Championships
Number
Player

David Commerford

A.J. Conway

James Draper

Sean Ethier

Tristan Garrah

Dustin Garret

Paul Herra

Jadran Kani

Daniel McBride

Justin Murphy

Joe O'Neill

Tyler Santoni

Mike Walsh

Derek Wilson

Coaches
Mr. Pat Farrell

Mr. Tim Lemmetty

Panther Productions - Championship Web Videos 07.11.06
Click Here to See a Web Video (in Quicktime Format) documenting RND's Championship Teams
OFSAA Report 11.26.05
The RND Senior Boys Volleyball team captured both the KASSAA and EOSSAA championships last week which qualified the squad for the OFSAA Provincial Championships. Tomorrow/Thursday the Panthers will head to Chatham, Ontario as the 5th seed in the 16 team tournament. After Thursday's coaches meeting and banquet the Panthers will begin pool play on Friday with the goal of qualifying for playoff competition on Saturday.
You can follow the Senior Panthers at OFSAA through the provincial championship web site: Click Here.
Fourth in Ontario 11.26.05
The Panthers finished the OFSAA provincial championships with a 5 win and 2 loss record and were recognized as the fourth placed team in Ontario.
After defeating Upper Canada College in the championship quarter-final the Panther faced Oakwood in the semi's. After capturing the first game 25 - 23 RND dropped the second and deciding third games to a tall and talented team.
Regrouping for the Bronze Medal game versus Southwood the Panthers again captured the first game of the match powered by the jump serving of David Commerford. After dropping the second game the match see-sawed back and forth in the deciding third game. Despite the 15 - 13 loss in the third game of the Bronze medal match RND showed great spirit and were awarded their fourth place medals following the game.
Be sure to congratulate the Senior Boys as you see them in the halls of RND over the next couple of days. They played great volleyball at OFSAA and added to the great tradition of athletic excellence at Regiopolis-Notre Dame.
Saturday - 2:00 11.26.05
In another straight game sweep the Panthers advanced to the Championship Semi-Final by defeating the Blues of Upper Canada College. In the first game RND dominated leading throughout in a 25 - 21 victory. RND fell as far as 6 points behind in game two, but remained calm and confident. A big kill by Paul Herra sealed the deal in a 25 -22 second game. The growing crowd of Panther supporters spilled out of the bleachers with the final point. The team is currently having a brief rest at the hotel before driving to John McGregor S.S. for the semi-final.
Keep checking the RND Scoreboard and supportting our Panthers.
Saturday - 10:30 11.26.05
The Panthers awoke early on Saturday to face the Peel Region representative, Iona Catholic Secondary School. David Commerford started serving and didn't stop until he had recorded six aces and the score was 8 - 0 RND. After a first game 25 - 11 victory the Panthers were lead in the second game by the hitting of Justin Murphy, Micheal Walsh and Joe O'Neill. The Garnet and Gold closed out pool play unbeaten, finishing Iona 25 - 13 in their final game.
The Panthers now face Upper Canada College, the number three seed, in championship quarter-final play at 12:30. More Panther fans, including Principal Wayne Hill have now joined Maddy Farrell and the rest of the OFSAA Panther Pack, as RND will be facing it's toughest test.
Good Luck Panthers !!
Friday - 6:00 11.25.05
Facing the Number 4 seed, with first place in the their pool at stake, the RND Panthers rose to the challenge versus Southwood of London closing out game two 25 - 11 after capturing the first game 26 - 24. In one their best performances of the year the Panthers were lead by the passing of James Draper. After building a huge 11 point lead in the first game Southwood rallied until Jadran Kani put away a cross-court hit to clinch the game. The Panthers dominated the second game from the first serve keeping their opposition off balance with good execution and ton of team spirit.
At 9:15 on Saturday, the Panthers will face the Iona Dolphins in the final pool play game. Check the RND Scoreboard for results.
Friday - 3:00 11.25.05
At Chatham - Kent H.S. the second round of OFSAA play saw RND defeat the St. Peter's Saints of Peterborough in two straight games, 25 -15 and 25 - 21. David Commerford and Daniel McBride shared setting duties as Tristan Garrah, Tyler Santoni and Paul Herra took advantage of their height advantage and frequently hit over the St. Peter's block. Some sloppy play early in the second game was overcome with tough serves that kept St. Peter's off balance.
Maddy Farrell joined the game late, after her nap, but continued her unbeaten streak.
At 4:30 the fifth seeded Panthers will challenge the 4th seeded Southwood.
Friday - 12:00 11.25.05
RND opened the OFSAA tournament versus Nelson of Burlington in the gym at Blenheim District High School. Some nerves in the games first points were confidently dismissed by the Panthers has they broke out to an early lead powered by the serving of Jadran Kani and the blocks of the RND wall. Game one ended 25 - 15 RND. The second game was tied at 10 when A.J. Conway reeled off several points on serve and the Garnet and Gold capped off the second game 25 - 17 in a total of 47 minutes for the match. The boys are resting up before heading to their second match early this afternoon versus St. Peters of Peterborough.
RND biggest and smallest fan, Maddy Farrell is currently napping before game two.
Thursday - 5:00 11.24.05
After a very long and sometimes difficult drive the Senior Boys arrived in Chatham to compete in the OFSAA provincial championships. RND fans can send an e-mail message of good luck Click Here
EOSSAA Volleyball Action in Arnprior Adds to Championships 11.16.05
The KASSAA champion Senior Boys Volleyball team qualified for the OFSAA Provincial Championships on Thursday when they captured the three team EOSSAA championship tournament in Arnprior. RND will now be the EOSSAA champion and representative at the provincial championships and will travel to Chatham to challenge the best teams in Ontario.
RND defeated Thousand Islands Secondary School of Brockville outpacing them (25-4) and (25-16) highlighted by the stellar serving of Jadran Kani.
Arnprior, despite their home court advantage, then fell to the Panthers in straight sets.
This meant that RND had to replay TISS for the championship. The RND Wall came through big in front of the Arnprior crowd as Tyler Santoni, Tristan Garrah and Paul Herra lead the Panthers to their third straight, straight sets victory in the championship contest.
You can Click Here to preview the OFSAA championships at the OFSAA Tournament Web Site.
Congratulations Panthers!!
Senior Panthers Crowned Champs of KASSAA 11.14.05
he Panthers, veterans of numerous provincial level tournaments and close fought games over the course of the last two months, used their poise and experience to confidently capture the KASSAA Senior Boys Volleyball Championship at the Bartlett gym this evening. The RND student fan section opened the game with a long standing ovation as the Panthers were announced in front of their opponents, the Holy Cross Crusaders.
RND asserted themselves during the final points of the first game, coming from behind to capture it 25 -23. Building momentum the Panthers rolled over the Crusaders in the second frame 25 - 15. Even when dropping the third game, RND fought through the final points of the set to almost steal a straight set match victory. Finally, the Panthers played confidently and calmly in the middle of the fourth and final game to establish a comfortable lead and seal the match with a 25 -22 final game victory. Check out the Team Video, to be posted soon, on the Panther Productions Pages - Click Here.
The Championship game victory brings to a close an unbeaten KASSAA campaign and marks RND's third Senior Boys Volleyball championship in the last five years. Click Here to read the Whig Standard's article about the team. The Panthers will now move on to the EOSSAA championships, on Thursday, in Arnprior. The ultimate goal of participation and success at the OFSAA Provincial Championships is now in sight. This should help motivate and focus the Senior Panthers as they prepare for EOSSAA in Arnprior.
Congratulations Senior Panthers !!!

Bartlett Bound With Semi Win Over Sydenham 11.11.05
In a tense match, hastily set up in the Society of Jesus Gym, the Senior Panthers answer a serious challenge in the third game of their match with Sydenham to capture the semi-final contest 3 -1 and advance to the KASSAA final. Superior serving by Derek Wilson and setting by David Commerford were highlights of the match. Check back to the RND Scoreboard for information about supporting the Senior Panthers at Bartlett on Monday night.
Quarter-Final Home Court Win 11.08.05
RND came out flying from the start as Jadran Kani and libero James Draper were passing perfect balls to setter David Commerford who totalled 18 assists in the match.  Leftside Paul Herra and Rightside Tyler Santoni were unstoppable at the net as they combined for 23 kills.  14 members of RND contributed to the win as the downtown Panthers were focused and hungry for a victory. Match Score 3 - 0 (25-7,25-13,25-14)
Tournament Success in Ottawa 11.06.05
RND travelled to Ottawa to compete in the Colonel By Cougar Challenge featuring some of the best high school teams in Ontario.  RND finished second in their pool (beating Stamford from Niagra Falls and losing to L'Escale).  In the quaterfinals RND beat Glebe from Ottawa 3-1 and than lost to the eventual tournament champions from Colonel By 3-1 in the semi's.  RND played Holy Cross from Kingston for the bronze medal and after falling behind 2-0 stormed back to win the next 3 games to win the match (24-26, 17-25, 25-22,25-18, 15-8).  Setter David Commerford played a great bronze medal game controlling the RND offence with 45 assists while middle Tristan Garrah was unstoppable in the middle with 14 kills and 8 blocks.  Tyler Santoni and left side players Paul Herra and Jadran Kani combined for 27 kills and sparked RND with great defence to capture the medal.
Defending Champs are Final KASSAA Opponent 11.04.05
RND played against a very spirited Blues squad as both teams are preparing for the playoffs.  Rightside Tyler Santoni continued to be the "go to guy" for the Panthers as he collected 14 kills and 7 blocks.  Paul Herra, fighting the flu, contributed 11 kills for the 11-0 Panthers.  It turned out to be a real team effort as all 13 Panthers played and contributed to the 3 games to 1 win.  Both RND and KCVI travel to Ottawa this weekend to play in the Colonel By Cougar Challenge.  KCVI is the defending champion of the tournament.
Golden Eagles Fall to the Panthers 11.01.05
By scores of 25-19,25-19,25-15 the Panthers defeated the Sydenham Golden Eagles in the CND gym this evening at RND. Right side Tyler Santoni led RND with 6 blocks and 12 kills as Regi improves to 10-0 and clinches 1st place in Senior Boys.  Middle Derrick Wilson was strong at the net providing 8 blocks and 4 kills.  Libero Dustin Garrett had the play of the game as he was able to do an incredible dig in the 2nd game to send RND on their way.  Tom McKenna led Sydenham with 9 kills.
Final Tune-Up Tournament 11.02.05
Looking to improve their play before advancing into the KASSAA playoffs the Panthers travel to Ottawa this week for tournament action against powerful opponents. Click Here for a tournament schedule.
Athletic Falcons Provide Strong Competition 10.28.05
RND improves to 9-0 (25-15,23-25,25-12,25-18) on the season as setter Dan McBride leads RND with 13 service points and 13 assists.  Middle Justin Murphy and leftside Joe O'Neill combine for 8 kills and 8 blocks.  Tyler Leknois leads Frontenac with 14 kills and 6 digs 25-15,23-25,25-12,25-18RND improves to 9-0 on the season as setter Dan McBride leads RND with 13 service points and 13 assists.  Middle Justin Murphy and leftside Joe O'Neill combine for 8 kills and 8 blocks.  Tyler Leknois leads Frontenac with 14 kills and 6 digs.
Southern Panthers Topple Northern Panthers in Intense Cat Fight 10.26.05
It was Panthers vs. Panthers as RND travelled to Sharbot Lake.  Sharbot Lake played amazing defence and with a lot of intensity as expected from Head Coach Bryan English, but RND finally got things rolling in the 3rd game and never looked back.  Paul Herra and Tristan Santoni came alive in the 3rd and 4th game and dominated at the net with 18 kills combined.  Libero James Draper was outstanding as he was passing dimes all night long.  RND improves to 8-0 in KASSAA play.
Panthers Sweep Golden Hawks 10.18.05
On Tuesday in the RND Gym the Senior Panthers swept the Napanee Golden Hawks 3 - 0. (25-13,25-13,25-13) Derek Wilson put up six blocks, and made seven kills in the victory. Dan McBride had 21 assists.
Queen's Tournament Information 10.16.05
Featuring some very competitive high school volleyball, RND won the silver medal falling to Eden of St. Catherines 2-1 in the finals. (26-28,25-21,11-15).  RND defeated Ernestown in the semis 2-0 (25-16,30-28) and in a great volleyball game Friday night defeated Gloucester 2-1 in the quarterfinals.  Middle Tristan Garrah and Rightside Tyler Santoni were named to the allstar team while leftside David Jones of Ernestown was also selected.  RND was led by leftside hitter Paul Herra and Santoni who combined for 67 kills. Colonel By from Ottawa defeated Ernestown 2-1 to take the bronze medal.
The draw for Queen's University Tournament is posted: Click Here.
Panthers Best Blazers 10.13.05
Middles Justin Murphy and Derrick Wilson combined for 10 kills and 22 service points as RND improves to 6-0 with a 3 - 0 win over the Bayridge Blazers (25-8,25-17,25-6).  Setter Dan McBride records 21 assists while leftside hitter Mike Walsh leads RND with 6 kills.
Towering Front Line Helps Regi in Volleyball

By Patrick Kennedy - Local Sports - Wednesday, October 12, 2005 @ 07:00
http://www.thewhig.com/webapp/sitepages/content.asp?contentid=129079&catname=Local%20Sports&classif=Sports%20-%20Local

 Buttressed by a towering trio up front, a smart, swift setter and the tireless toil of the unsung libero, the Regiopolis-Notre Dame Panthers stand as clear-cut mid-season favourites to cop the senior boys volleyball county crown sometime late next month.
Yesterday at Loyalist, the Panthers swept the previously unbeaten Lancers to improve to 5-0.
"We're on a roll, but our main goal remains unchanged: Focus on one game at a time and don't think ahead," said Regi coach Pat Farrell.
The team's strength lies in its formidable block, the three-man line at the net that Farrell calls "the big RND wall." Six-foot-seven middle Tristan Garrah flanks six-foot-six Tyler Santoni (right side) and six-foot-four Paul Herra (power).
"We've played in high-end tournaments this year against a lot of quality teams and I haven't seen a bigger block in the province," Farrell stated. "I doubt there is a bigger one."
Moreover, all three jump like springboks and sport condor-like wingspans. Garrah's spike reach stretches an imposing 3.5 metres up from the hardwood.
Of the three, Santoni is the club's go-to guy, a third-year senior and one of eight returning Panthers.
"He's worked so hard to improve over the last couple of year," said Farrell of the angular co-captain. "He's established himself as one of the best players in the league."
Santoni, like Herra a Panthers varsity basketball player, looks to have fully recovered from two broken arms sustained last winter while attempting an ill-fated slam-dunk during practice.
Herra, one of KASSAA's top roundball players, is manning his third position in three years with the volleyball unit. "That alone shows his value and versatility," reasoned the coach
Setter David Commerford choreographs the offence while remaining a defensive stalwart for unbeaten Regi.
"He plays big at the net," said Farrell, adding that the diminutive Commerford averages one block per match. "That's amazing for a little guy."
Unnoticed but not unappreciated is the rock-steady play of libero James Draper.
"He makes the engine roll," Farrell said of the other co-captain. "You know, everybody forgets about the first pass, but without that initial pass to the setter, none of the good stuff happens.
"Everybody remembers the big booms, but they forget who got the ball to the net in the first place."
In 2002 the Panthers, with former Ernestown Eagle Farrell at the helm, captured the provincial AAA title, the city's first three-A volleyball pennant.
In some respects, this team may even be better," the coach suggested.
"For starters, it's a much different team then the 2002 team. We had the four studs in 2002," he said of linchpins Bobby Tozer, Parrish Offer, Bryan McMillan and Dave Keo. "There was a lot of great individual talent, but this is more of a team, with a more diverse offence, and guys buying into the
defence-first concept."
Farrell is quick to credit a first-rate Regi junior program, which is coming off back-to-back unbeaten championship seasons and is a perfect 4-0 this year after yesterday's sweep of LC.
"[Junior coach] Mark McKenna does an unbelievable job and, in my opinion, is the best junior coach in the city. He makes my job that much easier because the kids are prepared once they reach the senior ball. All I have to do is show them technical stuff. When they arrive, the skills set is already in place."
Farrell mentions another Panther making an impact this season, third-year power hitter Jadran Kani.
"He's established his offence this year. Playing with this group, you have to," said Farrell.
"My job is to prepare this team for provincial play," he continued. "That is, if we make it out of the city. We're just one of a number of teams with a good chance at it."
The best chance, it says here.

Tons of Turkey Doesn't Hold Down the Senior Panthers 10.11.05
RND improved to 5-0 by beating a very good LCVI team (25-20,25-20,25-20).  Tyler Santoni led RND with 12 kills and 5 blocks while Paul Herra contributed 10 kills.  Matt McIntyre led LCVI with 10 kills and 7 digs.
A Nailbiter Versus Holy Cross 10.06.05
In a game lasting more than 2 hours 2 of Kingston's best senior boys volleyball teams played some great volleyball.  Both teams played great defence and were attacking at the net and from the backcourt.  After falling behind 2-1, Panther pride took over, RND turned on the defence and started to score off sets from setter David Commerford who had 36 assists.  Rightside Tyler Santoni was huge at the net collecting 15 kills and 8 solo blocks.  Left side hitter Paul Herra turned it up in games 4 and 5 and finished with 16 kills.  The turning point in game 4 was Commerford's full out dive to pick up a ball certain to score which ignited the Panthers.  RND improves to 4-0.
Final Score: RND 3 versu Holy Cross 2 - ( 25-20,23-25,22-25,25-11,15-7)
Big Week of KASSAA Rivals Starts With a Win 10.05.05
Six foot seven inch middle Tristan Garrah used his height to his advantage against a smaller Ernestown team as he led RND with 8 kills and 5 blocks in a 3 - 0 match win.  First year senior (middle) Derrick Wilson played his best match of the season matching Garrah's 5 blocks while contributing 5 kills.  Setter David Commerford ran an efficient RND offence while compiling 24 assists.  RND improves to 3-0 in league play.
Black Knights Chased Back Across the Causeway 09.29.05
A 3 - 0 match win (25-12,25-14,25-16) saw RND setters have an easy time running their offence because of the pinpoint passing and digging of libero James Draper.  Draper finished the game with 8 digs. Attacking from both sides of the court leftside hitter Paul Herra and rightside hitter Tyler Santoni combined for 14 kills.  RND improves to 2-0 in KASSAA league play
Senior Season Opener 09.27.05
Tough serves and strong passing led RND to a 3-0 match win (25-9,25-8,25-12). Middle Tristan Garrah had 6 stuff blocks and 6 kills while leftside Paul Herra and rightside Tyler Santoni had 7 kills apiece.  All 14 Panthers played well in a good opening victory.
York Tournament Information 09.15.05
The 30th Annual York University Lions Volleyball Classic will take place on September 23 & 24, 2005 in Toronto. The Senior Panthers will be traveling to this competition looking to start their season off against some of the finest volleyball programs in the province. Click Here to see the tournament draw and information.