The progress report on the Chemainus Secondary School Cougars senior girls volleyball team couldn’t be more favourable.
The Cougars came a long way from the start of the season to the Island tournament at Nanaimo Christian School.
Fourth place out of eight teams in the Island finals was certainly a significant achievement, considering Chemainus knocked off highly-regarded Lake Cowichan and also gave Duncan Christian School a run for its money along the way.
“The girls definitely came out ready to play for Islands,” conceded coach Kelsey Bell. “They played their best volleyball greatly due to positive energy and confidence.”
Playing DCS in the first match, the Cougars dropped a 14-25, 17-25 decision, but set the tables for a strong finish to follow.
Host Nanaimo Christian provided a significant challenge in the next game and the eventual tournament champs knocked off Chemainus easily 25-6, 25-8.
But the Cougars were undeterred and finished Pool A round robin play by defeating Victor Brodeur of Victoria 25-14, 25-23.
“The girls had high energy and took the win,” enthused Bell.
The second day of play began with the playoff match against Lake Cowichan, the second-place finishers in Pool B.
“This was one of the best games the girls had played,” noted Bell. “They were very cohesive and strong defensively.”
The Cougars prevailed 25-23 in a tight opening set and then went to town to sweep the contest with a 25-15 triumph.
With two wins under their belts, the girls went into the bronze medal game with a chance at the Island’s third and final berth into the provincials.
The rematch with DCS was a hard battle and went to a third set. DCS won the opening set convincingly 25-10, but Chemainus took the second set 25-22 and it went to the tiebreaker before DCS bounced back to finish on top 15-6.
“What an exciting end to our season,” remarked Bell, who had vice principal Jennie Hittinger working alongside her again this season and both were obviously very proud of the girls’ accomplishments.
Hannah DuMez and Andrea Brooks were the most valuable players for Chemainus in the tournament.