Morning Star Staff
The Seaton AA Sonics bowed 2-0 (25-23, 25-7) to the No. 2 AA MEI Eagles of Clearbrook in Saturday’s semifinals of the UBC Heat Senior Girls Volleyball Classic.
The Sonics, coached by Jeff Huggins, played a fantastic first set with Eva Haldane marvellous in the middle with five kills.
The Eagles were stunned through the most part of the first and then roared back. Seaton had no response and fell easily in the second set.
Seaton opened the playoffs by stuffing the George Elliot Coyotes of Lake Country 2-0 (25-19, 25-19). The Sonics got solid control along the sets. Kalli Hamilton-Gee was great setting the ball, while Dana Kievit and Haldane crushed several balls.
Seaton brushed back College Heights Cougars of Prince George 2-1 (15-25, 25-22, 15-9) in the quarters.
“The first set was a disaster with poor passing and little offence,” said Huggins. “The Sonics started to play better as Dana Kievit served the team back into the game. Sam Scott was huge in the second set with six kills. Emma Haner continued to serve tough as the Cougars coach called two timeouts during her service. Maddie Findlay-Proctor made several huge passes setting up the offence.”
The Sonics controlled the third set and Ella Oduro came alive, her confidence contagious.
Seaton matched up against the Handsworth Royals of North Vancouver for third place and came out victorious 25-23 and 25-16.
Scott played great back row and Ellen Van Buren recorded four kills from the middle.
“The girls played tough after a heart-wrenching loss in the semi-finals.”
Hamilton-Gee and Haner were tournament all-stars.