It might not have been the result the host Lloydminster Comprehensive Barons had envisioned, but their fourth-place finish in the Saskatchewan 5A high school girls’ volleyball championship was still a worthy performance.
Read more: Regional-champion Barons host girls’ volleyball provincials
Lloyd Comp lost 2-1 (15-25, 25-18 and 17-15) to Martensville in the bronze-medal match, after falling 2-0 (25-22, 25-19) to Holy Cross of Saskatoon in an entertaining semifinal Nov. 15.
“The girls performed exceptionally well,” said Barons coach Ky Desaulniers. “They showed confidence and consistency throughout the entire tournament, and they stayed calm and composed during some very stressful, tight matches.
“Their resilience was especially evident in our quarter-final, win-or-go-home match (against Winston Knoll of Regina). We were down 14-11 in the third set and the girls battled back and took the win 19-17.
“I’m incredibly proud of their effort and determination all weekend and during the entirety of the season.”
The Swift Current Ardens repeated as the provincial champions, defeating Holy Cross 2-1 (21-25, 25-20 and 15-11) in the gold-medal match.
Swift Current and Lloydminster Comprehensive each were 4-0 atop their respective pools after preliminary play in the 10-team tournament, which was played Nov. 14 and 15 in the Barons’ two gyms.
In their semifinal matchup, Holy Cross proved to be a formidable opponent for Lloyd Comp.
“They had several powerful hitters who were tough to shut down and kept steady pressure on our defence,” Desaulniers said of the Crusaders. “They also played strong, disciplined defence themselves, extending rallies and making it challenging for us to score cleanly.”
The provincial championship tournament marked the end of the high school careers for the Barons’ two Grade 12 players, Chloe Minish and Torren Wood. Both played three years with the LCHS senior team.
“Their leadership, dedication and commitment have made a lasting impact on the program,” Desaulniers said. “They have been great teammates and leaders for our younger players.
“Looking ahead, the team’s outlook is very strong. We are excited to build on the growth we’ve achieved this season, continue developing skills and leadership, and keep striving to climb the rankings next season.”
Read more: Barons grab gold in tune-up for volleyball provincials
