The Covenant Canadian Reformed School (CCRS) junior volleyball teams had an exciting weekend of competition in the North Central Junior High League Zone Championship at Boyle School Nov. 17.
The tournament marked the end of the volleyball season, and the Stingerz boys and girls could walk away with their heads held high as this year’s champions.
Both teams represented Neerlandia well and gave their all. However conquering the zones was perhaps a more exciting time for the junior boys. This victory marked the first zones banner the boys have won, and they did it undefeated.
The boys kicked off the tournament with a game against Boyle, the home team. After claiming their first victory, the winning streak wasn’t broken as they won against St. Mary’s, then Niton, and finally Ecole Pine Grove.
Heading into the playoffs without a loss, the boys continued to show their skill. The Stingerz defeated Pine Grove once again in the semi-finals.
The final game had the boys up against the home team. Boyle put up a good fight, and both teams played well to give the crowd a great show.
The girls had already won their zones by the time the boys were playing their final game, and were able to show their full support from the stands. Between cheering peers and parents who were able to make the trip, CCRS had a dominant cheering section despite Boyle being the home team.
Though the game was close and a challenge for the boys, they managed to win the two games they needed to be named the undefeated champions.
The junior girls also had an exciting Saturday. Their first game brought them up against Boyle, where they won the first game quite easily. However, feeling a little overconfident after their first win they lost the second. Not able to recapture the momentum, the girls lost their third game as well.
Despite starting zones without a win, this would be the only loss for the girls as they continued to improve throughout the tournament. Ecole Pine Grove was the Stingerz’ next challenge, and they defeated the Edson team with relative ease in two sets.
Entering into the playoffs the first matchup was against Grassland. The girls beat their opponents with ease once again in two straight sets.
The semi-final against Jarvie proved to be the toughest competition for Neerlandia. However they were still able to power through for another win in straight sets.
This set up the girls’ final game against Niton, where the Stingerz coasted through to another victory. Although they may not have began on a winning foot, the girls could celebrate in the winners circle as zone champions.
“I felt that with the exception of the first game, the girls played very well. They continued to improve as the games became more meaningful. “ said CCRS athletic director and coach Quinton Harthoorn. “The boys played very well and consistent throughout.”
Both teams had a good season overall, said Harthoorn. This tournament was the first tournament victory for the girls, who placed second and third in two others this year. The boys were victorious in their first tournament of the year in Spruce Grove, and placed second in another.
Though the season has gone well, Harthoorn said CCRS doesn’t just focus on winning or losing.
“At our school, our primary focus is developing teamwork and cultivating a spirit of fellowship amongst our students,” said Harthoorn. “So win or lose, we are far more interested in seeing our students demonstrate good moral character. For the most part, I would say that this has been accomplished.”
As another volleyball season came to a close, the Stingerz were very happy to have won the championship. The boys were especially excited with this being their first ever zones championship, said Harthoorn. Not to mention the pride of the junior high.
“Our grade nine students were also quite proud, since they won the zones championship every year that they have been in junior high,” said Harthoorn. “It was also heartwarming to see how proudly the boys cheered on the girls when they were playing, and how proudly the girls cheered on the boys.”
