The Edwin Parr Composite High School Predators boys volleyball team placed seventh in the province at the 50th annual provincial volleyball championship last weekend.
Head coach Chad LeMessurier was impressed with his team’s effort at provincials, which were held at the Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton.
“Our first two matches were very difficult, as St. Joe’s finished third in Alberta and Louis St. Laurent eventually finished first,” LeMessurier explained.
The EPC team played both St. Joseph from Grande Prairie and Louis St. Laurent from Edmonton on Thursday.
“Losing those two matches meant that we had to win all three matches on Friday,” LeMessurier said. “I was impressed with our effort as we did just that and made the tie-breaker a very spirited effort.”
On Friday, the team played Eagle Butte and Bonnyville, as well as the Holy Trinity team from southern Alberta.
“We finished the round robin with a record of 3-2 and forced a one-set tie-breaker against Holy Trinity to advance to the playoffs,” he explained. “Unfortunately, we lost this one 18-25. This meant the end of our tournament and placed us seventh in Alberta.”
LeMessurier said placing seventh matches their finish last year at provincials.
“We continue to gain valuable experience on the provincial stage, and the program continues to produce competitive volleyball teams,” he explained. “I felt that veteran players Damien MacKay and Tate Decoine played extremely well. As well, rookie setter Max Elgert had a strong tournament and is already establishing himself as a premiere setter in Alberta.”
LeMessurier said it was another great season for the team. The Predators won three tournaments and had an impressive year.
“With a strong group of junior high players poised to make the team next year, our goal is to return to the provincial championship soon,” he said.
