Junior A Volleyball

It was with confidence & energy that the Junior A Girls Volleyball team began their season as they faced SMUS & SLS in exhibition matches: the girls started the season with a pair of victories and a collection of smiles. Like all teams that are newly assembled and have a diverse skill set, however, our team would experience some trials and tribulations. For example, after we got off to a slow start at the VIU tournament in Nanaimo, we went on a run and won the B side of the bracket. Two weeks later, we would finish 4th at ISAs after finishing first in our pool. At our next tournament we dominated pool play again but failed to finish off the opposition in the final and placed second. The girls were disappointed and the season was on a knife’s edge. Consistency and a feeling of belief needed to be acquired if this team was to succeed. It was at that point that this team, despite the anguish of defeat, was going to go on and do great things. There was a collective feeling of resiliency, grit, and discontent. As our fast-paced season progressed we found ourselves in Chemainus for the Mid-Islands. The team was both anxious for success and determined to put past short-comings behind them. With only one spot available to progress to the Islands, the team had a lot to do. Without hesitation or indecision, the team dominated the tournament from start to finish and handily beat all opponents. Teams from Gulf Islands, Cowichan, Francis Kelsey, & Chemainus were all handily defeated and we were satisfied, though not content, with our progression. We finished our season facing the best that Vancouver Island had to offer. Our girls battled AAA and AAAA schools in an effort to get to the unofficial provincials in Delta. While the girls fell just short of their goal in a tightly contested match against Oak Bay, they managed to defeat teams from Wellington, Claremont and Mark Isfeld to finish 5th out of 48 schools on the Island.  With dominant play and perpetual positivity from our Captain, Sarah B, the team played every game in the moment and did not let past mistakes get them down. We had consistent passing from Suzy T, Hanna M, & Alex T, precise setting from Claire W, viscious serving from Gina B, Cate B and Deborah C, terrific hitting from Hannah S & Nairee P, and enthusiastic support from the injured Balqees J. With these girls firmly cemented in the program, the future looks very bright indeed! Mr. Neil Robinson, Coach