With his team on a crash course for the top of the East Side senior boys volleyball standings, Tim Tsui says his David Thompson Trojans are an underdog that will bite back the opponents who too quickly dismiss them.

“A lot of people are going to be looking down at them but they’re going to be the ones fighting back, not giving up any free points,” said Tsui, an assistant coach with the Douglas College men’s team who joined the varsity Trojans this season after nearly a decade with other teams at the school.

These underdogs are undefeated and count four straight wins but the Trojans face their biggest league game Wednesday night at Van Tech against the undefeated Talismen, a hard-hitting team much taller than David Thompson.

“It’s going to be a test,” said Tsui.

The Trojans entered the city playoffs last year in fifth and finished fourth overall, loosing their last game in three straight sets to Van Tech.

With nine Grade 11 players and one Grade 10 on his roster, Tsui can build for the future and doesn’t rule out a city championship this year.

One of three Grade 12s returning from last year, Alex Chang came close to making Team B.C. and for the Trojans is a smart, tactical player who brings experience, athleticism and leadership. “He adjusts to team play and my strategies,” said Tsui.

David Thompson has a roster of young, raw players that Tsui said is slowly coming together and learning to play as one focused unit.

“It’s not much of a team game right now, it’s more individual. So right now we’re trying to find that spot where we can all play together and try to win the season. They’re adapting quickly. It’s just a matter if they can pick up as fast as I think they can,” said the coach.

“Even in practice they’re pushing each other, they’re getting feisty with each other. Before the first game of the season, they didn’t talk—just silence. Now: chirping across the net at their teammates.”

These Trojans are lippy and other teams will hear them, said Tsui. “You’ll be hearing them across the net. That’s what I like about them.”

Their other tactical strength from begins at the service line. Against Windermere Monday night at the Warriors gym, David Thompson sent up blistering serves and registered 12 aces in four sets.

“Our strategy is to serve tough. We have six guys who jump serve and we want them to bang it hard,” said Tsui.

Van Tech hosts David Thompson at 6 p.m. Oct. 17.

mstewart@vancourier.com

Twitter: @MHStewart