The final tune-up for the Island senior girls A volleyball tournament in Chemainus couldn’t have gone any better for the Chemainus Cougars.
Great teamwork was exhibited and everyone contributed in a 25-14, 25-11 victory by the Cougars over Brentwood College last Thursday at Chemainus Secondary School. Despite the match being a best-of-three sweep for Chemainus, the teams played a third game to give everyone as much valuable playing time as possible before upcoming tournament action.
“We definitely played our game which is really important,” said coach Kelsey Bell.
She was impressed how some of her reserve players rose to the challenge of being on the court more often, like Daisy Wright, who made two amazing saves that earned Chemainus points in the series.
“Daisy had a great game,” raved Bell.
Hannah Tuplin also came out of nowhere to play the ball over the net for a point, typical of the hard work and hustle shown by the girls. They want to be at their best in the Island finals that go Friday and Saturday at Chemainus Secondary School.
“I think we’re feeling good,” enthused Bell. “We’re placed third. I think it is definitely accurate.
“No matter what, I’m really happy and proud of the girls of what they’ve put into it.”
Chemainus is in a ‘power pool’ with No. 1 Nanaimo Christian, No. 2 Lake Cowichan Lakers and No. 4 Duncan Christian School. All that means is the four teams will automatically quality for the quarterfinals in the 12-team event, but are vying for the best possible seeding against the rest of the field.
Campbell River Christian, Brookes of Shawnigan Lake, Victor Brodeur and Ucluelet make up Pool B. Aspengrove, St. Andrew’s, North Island and Port Hardy are the teams in Pool C.
The top two teams advance to the provincials and Chemainus would dearly love to snag one of those spots. The third-place finisher has to vie for a provincial tournament spot as a wild card entry.
Game action runs from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Chemainus Secondary on two side-by-side courts. Saturday’s play picks up at 8:30 a.m. and the championship match is at 5:30 p.m.
Chemainus plays its Friday pool games at 10:45 a.m. against Lake Cowichan, 1:15 p.m. against Nanaimo Christian and 5 p.m. against Duncan Christian. That will lead into the quarterfinal playoff at either 9:45 or 11 a.m. for Chemainus, depending on placement.
“Definitely being on home turf, they have an advantage for sure,” reasoned Bell.
“I’m really counting on the community and the school coming out to support the girls.”
