The Vernon Christian Royals sputtered but finished strong and won their annual Invitationa Senior A Boys Volleyball tournament Saturday.
Chris Bannick’s Royals elevated their game in the finals, downing North Zone rival Revelstoke Rams 2-0 (25-16, 25-11).
Jacob Defeo served up four aces, while Devin Hofsink registered three blocks to go along with seven kills. Middle block Liam Remple posted three kills while outside hitters Noah Podolski and Ben Molitwenik were solid on defence and provided five kills apiece.
Libero Shaun Huizinga was a rock, while middles Braeden McAmmond and Saul Saunders played well in relief. Kaden Koshman sealed the victory with a service ace. Molitwenik, Hofsink, and Podolski were named tournament all-stars.
The Royals dispatched the Rams 2-0 (25-16, 25-14) in their Friday preliminary match. Hofsink and Remple led the way with key blocking to shut down the Rams, while Levi VanderDeen was bold from the service line and Josh Hall hit well from the left side.
The Royals did not fare well the rest of the way Friday, losing 25-23, 25-10 to the Grand Forks Wolves and 25-21, 25-22 to Cedars Christian Eagles of Prince George.
Vernon Christian turned it around Saturday by going 3-0 in pool play, starting with a 2-0 (25-16, 25-20) win over the South Okanagan Hornets of Oliver.
The semifinals saw a rematch between the two squads with a similar result as the Royals prevailed 25-11 and 25-14. Setters Tanner Witt and Koshman were stellar splitting duties all weekend.
Even though the Wolves went undefeated in pool play, they met a determined Rams team and were upset 25-22, 27-25, 15-8 in the other semi.
The Royals next participate in the Best of the West, Oct. 13-14, in Kelowna.