The senior boys Gryphons held their own and represented Barrhead well at the ASAA 50th Anniversary Provincial Volleyball Championships in Edmonton Nov. 28-30.
It was a busy three days for the Gryphons. The boys faced several teams from across the province before making it to the semi-finals and the championship game, where they came second place.
The boys began the tournament Thursday morning against the Beaverlodge Royals, where they took an easy win the first game with a score of 25-10. The Gryphons breezed through the second game as well, with a final score of 25-15.
With one win under their belts, the boys began their climb to victory.
Barrhead played their second game Thursday against the Ardrossan Bisons. The first game was another easy win for the boys, scoring 25-15.
The Bisons began to fight back in the second game, but were no match for the Gryphons. Barrhead walked off the court with a second win 25-21, adding another team to their list of defeated opponents.
Two teams down, the Gryphons had an early start Friday morning against the St. Martin de Porres Kodiaks. The boys won the first match 25-17, and the second 25-14. One more win for Barrhead.
Barrhead would continue their winning streak when they faced Camrose later that day. The Gryphons beat the Camrose Trojans 25-19 in the first, and 25-19 again in the second game.
The Gryphons finally met their match Friday afternoon, when they took to the court against the Magrath Zeniths. The boys lost their first game of the tournament, with a score of 25-21.
After their first loss, Barrhead fought to regain dominance. The Gryphons battled the Zeniths in the second game, and were able to win 25-21. Unfortunately Magrath got the best of the Barrhead boys, and won the third game 15-10 to take the match.
The Barrhead boys made it to the semi-finals, where they faced St. Joseph’s.
The Gryphons started off hard, hammering St. Joseph’s with aggressive spikes and successful defense. Their efforts paid off, and Barrhead won the first game 25-20.
However St. Joseph’s wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Barrhead worked the court, but lost the second game 25-21.
In a high-energy and action packed third game, the win could have gone to either team. However Barrhead came out on top and took a win.
Heading into the finals, the Gryphons were up against Louis St. Laurent. The Gryphons fought hard, but lost the first game to Louis St. Laurent 25-20.
Tension was high as the boys headed out onto the court for the second game.
Despite the Gryphon’s best efforts, they weren’t able to get the win they needed. With a loss of 25-17, Barrhead settled for second place.
Head coach Rod Callihoo said he doesn’t think the team played the best they have all year, and with a provincial tournament comes great pressure and expectations. The Gryphons found themselves against a lot of tough competition, he said.
They did however power through and, though they missed out on first place, came home with second.
It was a good accomplishment to come second in provincials,” said Callihoo. “I think the boys expected more, they always do. But they played well.”
