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Nanaimo’s volleyball talent rising

We serve up some volleyball this week, recapping accomplishments by top local school teams

BY IAN THORPE

We serve up some volleyball this week, recapping accomplishments by top local elementary and secondary school teams from the past season…

First to girls’ competition, beginning with the elementary school bantam (born 2003-04) age division. For teams from schools with a population of more than 310 students, Darren Brick was the league coordinator. Playoffs concluded with MountainView winning an exciting final. On the championship team were players Toni Akenhead, Cassandra Beutler, Isabella Bryce, Brookelyn Chalmers, Alayna Jankovic, Asaya Jaswal, Amalie Kerridge, Piper Lestrange, Lindsey Marshall, Braelynn McCallum, Rebecca McCallum, Emily Nichol, Isabella Ouellette, Tristan Poelzer and Tkia Woodcock. Coach for the team was Sarah Frostad.

Teams from Quarterway earned both second and third place in the girls’ playoffs. Teri Mirau coached the second-place squad, consisting of players Jocelyn Aperloo, Sarah Brocklehurst, Emma Hache, Midori Minami, Devinn Moore, Brooklyn Bens, Maranda Eby, Kayla Grimmer, Samantha Montgomery-Swan, Tiana Nelson and Naomi Spencer. Claiming the third-place pennant for their school were coach Mike Lundine and his players Amy Barrera, Mya Creed, Kayla Howell, Anna Pendergast, Afia Mensah-Agyekum, Jane Polywkan, Alannah Wright and Trinity Vink.

Alana Lavery was the coordinator for the elementary girls’ volleyball league for teams from smaller schools. Playoffs culminated in a district title for Pauline Haarer team members Alena Chandler, Jordan Connors, Portia Gale, Abby Gear, Grace Jones, Keira Martin, Estelle Morland, Isabelle Parsons, Sophie Peer, Hannah Purtle and Danika Vogels. Coach for the team was Deb Connors and sponsor was Lisa Ellis.

Runners-up were the bantam girls from Frank J. Ney, coached by Lorne Ratzlaff. Representing their school were players Courtney Bernard, Emma Sartor, Nikole Binning, Erin Kang, Alicia Smith, Cassidy Chiong, Kelly Park, Helen Si and Bonnie Huynh.

The Cilaire group coached by Lorraine Carlson finished in third place. Playing for their school were Ryleigh Handby, Carys Menard, Jayden Foster, Ella Fleming, Luci Zhang, Jen Strub, Ashlyn Holmstrup and Amanda Shortman.

In secondary school volleyball this year, several girls’ teams did well. Leading the way was the AAA senior girls’ squad from Nanaimo District Secondary. Guided by head coach Meghan Carver and assistant Jenna Carver, the Islanders placed third at the Island tournament and went on to an eighth-place finish at provincials. A pair of local junior girls’ teams also advanced to provincials. Claiming fifth place was the team from Dover Bay coached by Roger Beck. Meanwhile, the Nanaimo District Secondary junior girls’ capped a strong season by finishing ninth overall at the provincials. Kim Saywell was the coach.

Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair, and show good sportsmanship.