By CHAT News Today

Brazilian players filling key spot on Rattlers volleyball team

Sep 29, 2017 | 4:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Medicine Hat College Rattlers men’s volleyball team is putting their faith in a pair of players, who could be one of the toughest offensive tandems in the entire country.

Vitor Kfoury and John Freire, both from Brazil, are being treated as an important part of the team’s roster this year, after three key starters graduated last season.

“Kfoury is just an absolute masher of the ball, he hits it very hard,” said head coach Mark Porter. “He has a very heavy spin serve, he’s become a good defender, and he’s got great on court maturity, so he’ll be a big part of our team this year and provide some leadership.

“Freire is very, very highly skilled. He’s the most highly skilled that I’ve ever had since I’ve been here, and one of the most highly skilled players I’ve ever seen in this league. He comes in and brings a whole new dynamic, and at 6 foot 6, he can hit over most blockers.”

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Kfoury, who stands 6’4”and plays on right side, is entering his second season with the Rattlers, while Freire is entering his rookie season.

Kfoury is looking forward to the regular season.

“Everyone is giving 100 per cent in practice, at every practice, every time,” said Kfoury, who notes the team has already competed in tournaments ahead of the season.

Kfoury also helps Freire in making the transition to the Canadian game and make him feel like he’s part of the team.

“I’m here this year, so it’s kind of easier for him to be on the team,” he said. “But everyone likes him, everyone is trying to help him learn the language and make sure he’s learning English.

“With volleyball, he’s doing well. He understands the system.”

Porter says defence and handling pressure situations will be one of the focuses for the Rattlers this season, as they work to replace the roles of the graduating players.

“I think it comes with experience, and coaching expectations and accountability of the players, that the expectations are you need to replace these guys at the same level that they were at, and it’s just your job to do it,” he said. “The guys we have brought in are all really character guys, and they thrive on the competition, but they also thrive on the idea that they have to raise their level to a higher level.”

The Rattlers begin the regular season on Oct. 13, travelling to Lethbridge to take on the Kodiaks. The game starts at 8 p.m.