In the end, the guys just were not able to get past a larger opponent.
The Edwin Parr Composite Predators senior boys volleyball squad played host to the 3A North Central zone playoff tournament on the weekend and ended up having to twice play Barrhead and ended up losing both times, which ended their season.
The club began the tournament with a strong test against Morinville Friday afternoon, but fell by scores of 25-19, 25-16.
The Predators made up for that tough loss later in the day with a dominating performance over Onoway, winning in straight sets 25-17, 25-18.
This set up a big match early on Saturday for EPC with perennial powerhouse Barrhead, with the Predators needing a victory in hopes of avoiding having to face Barrhead – ranked among the top teams in the province – until the final.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the club’s best effort and they lost the match 25-20, 25-16 to finish third in their pool, which was just good enough to make the playoff round.
In their quarterfinal, the Predators took on Whitecourt – who placed second in the other pool – and came out with passion to earn the hard fought victory in a three-set thriller.
A dominant showing by Max Elgert was also a key to the win stated head coach Chad LeMessurier.
However, that win also meant another meeting with Barrhead in the semi-final that afternoon and, despite putting up a gutsy fight, the local boys lost and were left to play Westlock in the third place game.
“I was proud of how our team played for pride and won in three sets,” LeMessurier explained about beating Westlock.
“It was a complete team effort and a great way to end the season.”
Overall, LeMessurier added, the team’s season was judged a success, mainly because he expected it to be a huge rebuilding year.
“Many of the players applied themselves and, as a result, we are looking great for next year,” he stated.
“With 11 of our 12 players eligible to return next season, we will certainly be pushing for a provincial championship.”
LeMessurier is also glad to see a number of his players will continue to work on their game between now and next season.
“I’m excited that a number of the players from this team will extend their season through playing club volleyball as well as on provincial teams and at camps,” he said.
“We are extremely committed as a team and seem to enjoy our time together. EPC Predators boys volleyball is on the rise and everyone better be ready for us.”
