Powell River Volleyball Club Aces took home bronze medals from the 2019 Volleyball Provincial Championships held May 3 to 5 in Abbotsford. The under 16 girls team placed third in division four.
“It was a real team effort,” said coach Steve Boettger, “with all players contributing to different wins this past weekend.”
In pool play the Aces finished first by defeating both Kelowna's KVC Krush Red and Chilliwack's Valley Elite Blue teams. Aces won in straight sets 25-22 and 25-19 against KVC. They had a three-set battle with Valley Elite Blue losing set one 22-25. Aces pulled out the win taking the next two sets 25-18 and 15-13. Playoffs started with a cross-over match first versus first in pool play.
“The Aces played their best match of the weekend serving and blocking well,” said Boettger.
The team's defensive efforts helped them defeat Whitehorse's Subzero Ice in straight sets 25-14 and 25-23. The end result from play on Friday, May 3, had the Aces in first place of six teams. On Saturday, May 4, the Aces lost in their semi-final match.
“They battled hard in the second set,” added Boettger. “With it tied at 23, Vernon's Sky White team pushed hard for the last two points.”
The Aces lost their only match of the weekend 16-25 and 23-25. This put them into the bronze medal match. Two hours later the Aces faced Kelowna's KVC Krush Red team for the bronze. Aces served very well leading the team to a victory in set one 25-20.
“Some notable moments include the best hit of the year from Kaiyana Huot and some amazing digs from multiple players, including Madison Penrose, Kayden Piniewski and Sarah Maguire,” said Boettger.
The second set had some equally exciting moments with great serving and team defence, he added.
Abby Boettger finished off the game serving twice with the KVC team unable to return the ball. The second set finished 25-18, and the girls erupted with excitement to bring home their first medal as a group, said Boettger.
“It's great to see their hard work in practice pay off,” he added. “Learning to encourage each other, recover quickly from mistakes, and execute their team attack was fun for me to watch.”
Powell River Volleyball Club welcomes players to try out in January of each year and also welcomes coaches and parent volunteers to participate in the club's organization. Registration notices will be at schools in December.
