It was the YRHS senior boys’ volleyball team’s first provincial visit in six years, but it was not their first provincial win. The young team, with only one grade 12 student, played in the 5A provincial tournament on Nov. 16-17 in Prince Albert.
The team began their weekend against Holy Cross from Saskatoon, losing in the first game in straight sets. They went on to meet St. Mary out of Prince Albert, winning one set but ultimately losing the game. They ended Nov. 16 playing against Greenall out of Balgonie, losing in two straight sets.
It wasn’t all losses for the young team, as their first game on Nov. 17 saw the young team take out Riffel out of Regina in straight sets.
In the playoffs, the Yorkton squad met Swift Current, but they were unable to beat the team, losing in straight sets and ending their run at the provincials. Swift Current’s run continued to the finals before losing to Greenall in the gold medal match.
Coach Dion Pfeifer said that this year’s provincial run was about building experience for the young team, and he admits that they were definitely the youngest and most inexperienced team at the tournament. However, he’s proud of their work, saying they fought hard each match. This year’s provincial tournament might not have lead to a top prize, but it did give the team experience they can use for next year, especially as only one student on the squad is graduating.
Pfeifer would also like to thank that player, Teo de Guzman, for his contributions to the volleyball team over the past two years and wish him the best of luck as he continues on to post-secondary education, especially as he is likely to play college volleyball.
