On Nov. 18, Duncan Christian School played the host Nanaimo Christian School in the Senior ‘A’ Island Volleyball Championship match.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Chargers in straight sets (25-23, 25-12, 25-16) to win the Island title but all was not lost for DCS.
In earning the silver medal at Islands, the girls also booked their berth at the provincial senior ‘A’ championships in Prince George hosted by Cedars Christian School, which starts today (Dec. 1).
“Provincials has always been the goal right from the beginning of the season,” explained head coach Jim Brandsma. “We had qualified last year but because of COVID, we chose not to go and I said then I had no doubt these girls would be back at provincials and here we go.”
DCS players Dara de Vries and Sydney Dollman were selected as first-team tournament all-stars at the Islands.
“All the girls did amazing and I had no doubt in my mind that we wouldn’t make it,” de Vries said. “Everyone fought so hard and never gave up. I am so proud to be a part of this team and I am excited for the fun experiences we will have and how we will do [at provincials].
The Lake Cowichan Lakers also competed in the Island tournament, finishing seventh overall. Lake Cowichan’s Elyssa Sahulka was named a second team all-star.
Meanwhile, the senior AA girls’ Island finals were held Nov. 19, at John Barsby Secondary School in Nanaimo.
Brentwood College School beat the Barsby Bulldogs (25-23, 18-25, 25-16, 25-10) to take first place on the Island and punch their ticket to the ‘AA’ provincials, which start today (Dec. 1) in Merritt.
Brentwood’s Valentina Scagliarini was chosen tournament MVP and her teammates Sophie Horne and Alana Harrison were chosen as all-stars.
—With files from Greg Sakaki