The Boyle School senior girls volleyball team is headed back to the provincial championship after going undefeated at the zone tournament Nov. 18.
The Huskies did not drop a set in the eight-team tournament, which was hosted for the second year in a row on their home turf.
After defeating Grand Truck in straight sets, 25-17 and 25-13 in the final, the team punched its ticket to provincials in Bonnyville on Nov. 23.
Head coach Sheri Bencharsky said the team stepped up their intensity as the day wore on.
“It was a pleasure to watch the girls perform at that level in front of our home crowd. I am very proud of how the team all pulled together to play their best when it really counted,” Bencharsky said.
The team never came close to losing a match, winning each of its five games in straight sets on their way to the zone title. The team also won each of its sets by six or more points.
The zone title is a realization of the team’s season-long aspirations to reach provincials, Bencharsky said. The team reached provincials last season and finished fourth in that tournament, a finish that the coach has said the team wants to improve on.
“We will be focused on making sure they play well and keep a level of intensity over the three days (of provincials),” Bencharsky said. “Take in the excitement and experience of provincials, and being proud they made it there.”
The team is comprised of many Grade 12 players. Shayla Derko, who plays the position of defensive specialist on the team, said many members of the group have been playing together for six years.
“It helps us on the court to be positive when we need to be, so we can play as a team and not get down on ourselves,” Derko said. “We have a team to bring ourselves back up.”
With many members of the team graduating this year, team captain Shelby Bencharsky said the group has a goal in mind as it finishes its final season together.
“End our last year with a bang,” she said.
