Silver at North Island Playoffs

Getting back from the team trip to California late on Tuesday night, the Senior A Volleyball team headed straight into the playoffs!  With one practice during the power outage on Thursday, the girls went into the tournament at Barsby in Nanaimo ready to make it to the final game. Playing two games on Friday against home team Barsby and Comox Valley team Highland Secondary, the girls came away with two wins and earned a bye to the semi-finals on Saturday. The two games were full of energy as the girls took risks in order to find greater success. With great serves by Hannah C, Allard ‘15 and remarkable sets from Lauren Y, Mack ‘16 the games were a fantastic way to prepare for Saturday.  Arriving early to help score and lines the quarterfinals, the girls were in the volleyball mindset and ready to dominate the semi-final against Woodlands. This match was the first best-of-five game this season and we wanted to win it in three straight. Coming out strong in the first set helped the girls to be fueled with fire and energy for the upcoming two sets. Winning it in three like we wanted, we shook hands with Woodlands for playing a great game and went to get some food.  Two o’clock warm up time meant the girls were once again channeling all their thoughts into volleyball and the close-approaching final game against provincially #3 ranked Ladysmith. With an inspiring pre-game talk by Coach Fougner, the girls headed back into the gym full of determination. In the first set the girls played in sync with one another.  Full of passion and grit to get every ball, they came away with a great win of 25–16! Knowing Ladysmith would come back strong, the girls prepared to keep battling, but Ladysmith won the next three sets. We did, however, earn a rewarding silver with Rachel J, Hope ‘16 named top passer and Hannah C, Allard ’15 having incredible blocks.  Although the girls didn’t leave with a trophy, we walked out of the gym with our heads held high; we learned lots, played well and, most importantly, had fun playing the game we all love. Next weekend comes with an even bigger challenge of Island Championships, which the girls are enthusiastic about.  Let’s wish our Senior A Volleyball team luck as they continue in the playoffs to Provincials! Mollie MG, Mackenzie ‘15