The BX Bears ruled the City Elementary School Grade 7 Boys Volleyball Championships at the Lavington gym.
The 15-member Bears, coached by Jennifer Ternan, took the boys title with a 2-1 win over Silver Star Wolfpack in Wednesday’s final.
BX was anchored with strong serving, moving to the ball and great teamwork. All members played equal time and encouraged one another.
“Nerves almost got the better of them after losing the first set in the final match,” said Ternan. “They rallied back and took a close second set 25-23 to be followed with a convincing third set to close out the win.
Silver Star coach Jim Anderson gave major props to his boys after going 2-0 in preliminary play and icing Lavington in the semfinals.
“Strong serving and excellent team play put the Wolfpack out to a one-set lead (in finals), but a heart-breaking 25-23 loss in the second deflated the team going into third and final set,” said Anderson. “The boys were disappointed, but they knew they worked hard and were proud of the finish they had to their successful season.”
Lavington stopped Bearisto in three sets in the consolation final.
Lavington coach Lance Johnson said his crew were sputtering in the third set until Chris Chartier took control on the court and hammered three straight points.
“Then, support came from James Epp with big hits and strong serving,” said Johnson. “Corben Marcotte put the game away after a long rally with a strong hit to win the set and match.”
Epp brought the first set even at 13-13 with a huge block with Josh Clarke, James Rance and Marcotte serving big and getting huge points. Everett Brown and Grady Barg, the only Grade 5s in the tourney, showed strong composure and skills.
Coldstream coach Susan Cairns said her side benefited from consistent serving all afternoon from Colter Louis, Tyler Henry and Evan Sadesky.
“Eric Anderson showed some hints of greatness as he consistently hustled to the ball and endeavoured to set up a three-hit attack, showing a developing understanding of strategy at this relatively inexperienced stage,” said Cairns.
Louis and Logan Stewart could be depended on to deliver high-fives and words of encouragement.
On the girls side, Coldstream swept BX in two sets Thursday in the championship final, while Okanagan Landing shaded St. James 2-1 in the consolation tilt.
“The Coldstream girls served their way to the finals,” said Barb Hamilton, who coached alongside Jessica Houghton. “It was a great team effort. The girls trusted each other and played with confidence trying to get three hits each play. This very coachable group of girls battled against BX in the final match.”
The Coldstream roster: Sophia Bilodeau, Kristin Francks, Caryss Hill, Anna Hirschkorn, Maya Out, Sierra Sapergia, Aimee Skinner, Rachel Snobelen, Natalie Swan, Ava Tepper, Jaimie White, Clara Yoo.
Okanagan Landing received great attacking by Makenna Doyle, marvellous serving by Madisen Messner and Jordyn Clarke and superb hustle from Paige Cover and Kayley Klimp.
St. James got stellar serving by Jarett Molitwenik, Dennica Paull, Amy Curtis and Allena Kitzman. Most improved players in the tournament were T’Kya Hayden and Grace Scott.