Both men's and women's volleyball teams at Fanshawe played their way to victory on home court at the 11th annual Overkill Kick Off Tournament, of which the women are two-time returning champions.

The teams bested five other colleges at the two-day long tournament. The women only gave up the first set in two matches.

Women's coach Mark Peckham was pleased with how the female Falcons played. “We moved the lineup around,” he said. “Everyone got to see action at some point, and [I] was very impressed with team play.”

Peckham credited the early success to dedication on and off the court. “We've had a really strong pre-season ... putting a lot of time into practice and in the weight room ... I think the results are starting to show.”

“Our passing has been much better than last year,” he added.

Entering the tournament as two-time returning champions was a bit of a stressor, though. “I think some of the girls were feeling it this year, as returning champions,” said Peckham. “Pressure's a good thing; playing under it.”

Winning the tournament could be an indicator of success to come, but Peckham said he thinks it's still too early to tell.

“We have plenty to improve on, but I think the girls are hungry and willing to do what it takes to move us forward,” he said.

But it's a good feeling winning at a tournament hosted at home. “Any time you can win an event on your home court is always positive,” Peckham said. “I think the girls are really excited to win the gold and I think it helps us build on momentum moving forward.”

Suffice to say that the bar's been raised.

“One of the expectations every year is to medal at the OCAA (Ontario Colleges Athletic Association), and this year is no different, even though we have six new players,” he said.

What Peckham is looking forward to is playing Humber at home. “That's a big test for us to see where our training is and how we stack up. [Humber is] a seven-time OCAA champion.”

With the men, there's also no telling how indicative the tournament is of the rest of the season. Matt Stewart, libero for the Falcons, had to sub in as setter for the tournament. “We've got a lot more building to do,” he said. “We're still messing up with the lineup, just to see what our strongest lineup will be.”

That's not to say that it won't be a good season, however.

“We're looking fairly tight as a team; we're looking to have a really good year,” said Stewart. “I'd like to think we're up there as one of the favourites of the competition.”

So come out to cheer on your fellow Falcons.

“We have [players] who are proud to represent Fanshawe. I think it's a good product that we put on the floor,” said Peckham. “If nothing else, we have free popcorn.”

The women take on Humber on the Fanshawe home court on October 25 at 6 p.m. The men take the court at 8 p.m.