KIPLING - Kipling hosted the SHSAA 3A Regional Volleyball Championships on Nov. 19 and 20 with seven teams participating.
Other than the host Kipling Magyars in Pool B, the other two teams included the Assiniboia Rockets and the Briercrest Cougars. Pool A teams included the Esterhazy Warriors, Oxbow Prairie Horizons School Black Knights, Regina Christian Grizzlies and Carnduff Education Complex Tigers.
Many parents, grandparents, siblings and friends came out to cheer on their team and show their support.
“After a missed season last year, I would like to acknowledge that it’s been an amazing feeling to be back in the gyms filled with our athletes, families and friends. The sportsmanship and class displayed throughout the weekend makes me proud to be a part of this tournament,” said Magyars coach Rhett Larsen.
Carnduff finished first in Pool A with a 3-0 record, followed by Regina Christian (2-1), Oxbow (1-2) and Esterhazy (0-3).
Assiniboia topped Pool B at 2-0, while Kipling was 1-1 and Briercrest was 0-2.
Carnduff beat Kipling in 2-0 (25-17 and 25-14) in one semifinal, while Assiniboia defeated Regina Christian 2-1 (22-25, 25-21 and 15-8) in the other.
Kipling defeated Regina Christian 2-0 (25-21 and 25-13) in the bronze medal game.
The gold medal game was between Carnduff and Assiniboia with Carnduff winning 2-0 (25-13 and 25-15).
Carnduff, Assiniboia and Unity will advance to provincials in Unity.
Carnduff Tigers coach Marcel Macfarlane comments on his team:
“I am very pleased with our team’s performance through the season with competition in many challenging tournaments. We have demonstrated substantial development as a team and are very happy to be playing again after a long COVID break, missing the 2020 season.
“I was very pleased with our execution throughout the regional tournament. We are extremely excited to travel and compete in Unity.”
Larsen discussed his team’s play.
“The senior boys volleyball season was very successful. We had a slow start in September due to some COVID cases at school but after that we were rolling and had some very good games through October and attended some tournaments in Carnduff, Oxbow and Lumsden, and we hosted our own tournament,” said Larsen.
“All the tournaments were very successful and we received many compliments from the other teams. The boys have worked very hard practicing twice a week sometimes a game during the week and weekend tournaments. We weren't sure how this year would go but with some dedicated athletes we've been able to be very successful.”
The Kipling players are looking forward to provincials.
“We have a bright future for volleyball at Kipling School with lots of great athletes. They've made us all very proud and we are excited that the boys have a chance to represent our school at provincials.”
“I would like to thank all seven teams and their fans for attending this tournament, as well as all the volunteers, and to the game officials for providing excellent game calling,” Larsen added.
