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THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, NOVEMBER 21,2001 PAGE 17 Volleyball player a hit as university freshman Former Ganaraska Wolves player % Stacey Gordon is ' making an impact at Ohio State r BY BRIAN McNAIR > Staff Writer COLUMBUS, Ohio - If, as she insists, insists, there was a transition period for Stacey Gordon, it certainly didn't last long. The Eastdalc Collegiate grad has made an immediate and impressive "impact in her first season playing NCAA Division I volleyball with the Ohio State Buckeyes, having already set a precedent by winning consecutive consecutive Big Ten Volleyball Player of the .'-Week awards. "I think it's the first time for anyone, anyone, but definitely for a freshman," Buckeye coach Jim Stone says of the , feat, which was based on her play in ; the final two weeks of September. "I can't say I'm surprised because she's an exceptional player," Stone adds of Gordon's contribution to the team this season. "If there's a surprise to it, it's that she has been so consistent." consistent." Indeed, Gordon has been a key performer performer all season, as she leads the No. l lO-ranked Buckeyes in such categories jas kills, service points and overall 'points on offence, as well as digs on defence - this despite a shoulder injury [that forced her to play one match in the back row instead of her normal ■outside hitter position, i; "I've had to make a couple of adjustments," adjustments," Gordon says of her first season of college ball, after graduating from the Ganaraska Wolves club program program based at Clarke High School in ■Newcastle. "It's a new level in terms jof intensity." Fortunately for Gordon, she had a ilengthy pre-season with which to prepare. prepare. And, it wasn't as though she Iheatied" south ; without an impressive ifeslMasr; ^ f ^ r Thé 5-foot-l l'ushawh résident was feistdale's captain and most valuable 'player in volleyball for 1997 and 1998. Based also on her tremendous play on ■the . basketball court, Gordon was the school's athlete of the year in 1997 Jand 1998. ri Ip club play, Gordon was a four- î Checkers j atoms win | Hastings itburnament > HASTINGS - The Bowmanville Chéckers atoms reached the championship championship game of a tournament in Hastings, winning by a 4-3 score over Baltimore. < Trailing 3-2, Justin Smith got the tying goal while Tyler Niel had the winner with five minutes left in the game; Cole Jackman and Brandon Ross also scored. t In earlier games, Niel scored two goals and added an assist with one goal each to Steve Sterling and Thomas Stone to defeat Rice Lake 4- _3 in the tournament opener. Bruce Woods, Justin Smith, Dereck Connelly Connelly and Ross had assists. ■; Against Hastings, Stone scored three times in a 7-2 win. Matthew Rae, Steve Sterling, Niel and Jack- man had the other goals. { Also contributing to the wins were goaltender James Brear and players Alex Duncan, Chris Greentree, Mike Ramsey, Craig Walker and Chris Fernlund. Kevin Ross is the manager, Ben Dupuis the trainer, Ian Cuthbert- son the assistant coach and Martin Smith the coach. lime captain and MVP with the Wolves, leading the team to provincial gold and national silver medals in 1999-2000. She also won two Evelyn Holick awards as player of the year and was the MVP of the Juvenile National National Championships in 1999-2000. An honours student while at East- dale, Gordon virtually wrote her own ticket where scholarship offers were concerned, choosing Ohio State based on "the team, the program, the tradition, tradition, everything." Gordon, who hopes to become a gym teacher or coach when her Sports and Leisure studies arc done, is also a strong candidate to represent Canada at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. "I have so much on my plate right now, I couldn't possibly train with two teams," she says of trying out for the national team in the immediate future. "But it's definitely a possibility in the future." STACEY GORDON Won back-to-back Big Ten volleyball player of week awards. On now! For 3 days only already-reduced S accessories for the family Choose from a wide selection of men's, women's and kids' dress and casual styles. Offer excludes footwear and merchandise which is currently promotionally priced. Selection may vary by store. While quantities last Sale ends Thursday, November 22,2001 NP1141901 Copyright 2001. Sears Canada Inc. % ' F : SAFEGUARDING ONTARIO'S ELECTRICITY FUTURS Questions about Ontario's new electricity market? CALL 1-888-668-4636 To receive your free information brochure which explains: • Why our electricity system is changing • How the new system will work • What competition will mean for consumers or visit our website at www.est.gov.on.ca Ontario