The enthusiasm, commitment and willingness of the players to learn hasn’t wavered through three straight losses to open the season for the Chemainus Secondary School Cougars senior girls.
“In the end we are still working towards our first win but it will come,” coach Jill Astren indicated. “For the time being, it’s so great to see the camaraderie, smiles and energy from this great group of girls. They are having fun without wins, so that says a lot about their perseverance and sportsmanship.”
Related story: Rapid improvement made by Cougars in volleyball
The Cougars travelled to Duncan Thursday and lost another heart-breaker to Queen Margaret’s School.
The first game ended in a two-point defeat, 25-23, and the second was 25-19 for Queen Margaret’s after a valiant comeback effort by Chemainus fell just short.
The first game was close all the way, Astren noted, with the teams jockeying back and forth for the lead until Queen Margaret’s finished it off.
Chemainus Grade 12s Kassidy Rankin and Sydney Lyderik showed their senior experience with strong serving.
“Players were subbed in and out to use all of our players’ strengths, showing the team coming together and finding their stride,” Astren added.
The Cougars had some strict calls against them in the second game for their serve receive positioning. Astren felt that was excellent to help the players understand the importance of being precise with their positioning.
Queen Margaret’s built a huge lead before Chemainus came storming back. It was 20-9 at one point and 23-12 when Marley Ollett came through to successfully serve seven straight points that cut the deficit to just four points.
”The energy of the team as they made that comeback was full of support for one another,” observed Astren. “They had some great rallies during Marley’s service run.”
But Queen Margaret’s regained control to score the final two points for the win.
A third game was played for fun, experience and to practice further.
The Cougars host Duncan Christian School Tuesday, Oct. 18 in their next match.
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don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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