There’s been plenty of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn with the start of game action for girls’ volleyball teams at Chemainus Secondary School.
The senior girls opened against Shawnigan Lake School last Tuesday under the direction of community coach Cindy Bowden, who brings considerable experience as a player to the position.
“I played volleyball all through university when I was younger,” she explained.
Bowden grew up in the United States and played volleyball at Western Washington. She’s a new resident of Chemainus where her husband Tim is from as of the summer and was anxious to help out.
“I have coached a little bit, but never as the head coach so it’s new for me,” said Bowden.
There are 12 players on the senior Cougars and she got to know them quickly through a rather unique method.
“My first practice I took a picture of each of them so I could get their names down,” Bowden explained.
“They’re just improving so much. That’s really fun and exciting to see them improving. They’re a great group of girls. It’s really fun to be with them each day.”
The Cougars didn’t win the first match, but received a baptism by fire as a group - especially for the inexperienced players.
“I think they played hard,” said Bowden. “I was super proud of them.
“We got beat pretty soundly, but it was our first game. The first game you’re kind of working out some kinks and seeing where the gaps are.”
The junior Cougars had a great match with Queen Margaret’s School Monday at Chemainus Secondary School and showed enormous promise under the direction of coaches Kelsey Bell and Jennie Hittinger, who formerly guided the senior team.
QMS won the first game 25-14, but then Chemainus got it going to take the second game 25-17. The Cougars completed the comeback in the third and deciding game with a convincing 15-7 victory.
Amelia Winterburn and Sienna Waller both served brilliantly during the win in the second game. Waller wrapped it up by serving for the final two points.
