Durham Attack | Best in Canada for 15U Attack Black

They went all the way! The win last weekend at Canada-East in Moncton was a repeat from last year. Coach Evan Williams had faith that his team could achieve more this year. Canada-West in Calgary represented a chance to consolidate East and West to declare a true Canadian Champion in 15U Youth Volleyball.

The largest volleyball event ever held in Canada was hosted by Volleyball Canada in Calgary, as 267 teams participated in boys and girls 15U and 16U competition. At the opening ceremonies in the Olympic Oval, double-Olympic medalist Speedskater Kristina Groves put achievement in sport into perspective. “Only one team will win the gold medal here this weekend. Find other ways to measure your success and find the enjoyment of your sport.” The girls of the Durham Attack Black 15U team knew they were here to be that team, but that it would be a long road to get there. Traditionally, teams from the west field tall, well-trained volleyball players, as many teams from Ontario have discovered in years past.

Arriving early to become acclimatized to the altitude, many Attack members toured scenic sights such as Banff and Lake Louise, as well as the Olympic Park which features the Ski Jump made famous by Eddie the Eagle at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games. On Friday, Attack practiced on Court 1 with an eye to eventually arrive there for the semi-final and final games on Victoria Day Monday.
In Pool Play Saturday, #5 seeded Attack defeated teams from Alberta, Manitoba and B.C. to finish on top of Pool E. Three victories followed Sunday in the Power Pool, the final match of the day against the provincial champions from Saskatchewan, winners in Pool H. Attack Black asserted their firepower early, making a statement for Monday with a 25-9, 25-18 decision.
Monday morning began with a match against the Alberta champions, who featured a fearsome 6’ 4” Middle Blocker. Attack’s passing game was bang on, providing them the opportunity to set the ball away from the middle, using their best mis-direction plays. Straight to Court 1 and things were getting serious with a semi-final match with B.C. #2. As the Team Canada talent scouts looked on, Attack battled their way to a 25-20, 25-20 win.

It was a long way to the final, but Attack had finally arrived. Standing between them and Gold were the Manitoba provincial champions, Winnipeg Shock. Canada’s National Team is based in Winnipeg and good coaching is plentiful. The recent 18U Canadian Championships final featured two Manitoba teams battling for Canadian supremacy. Williams Ontario Championship Team was fired up from the opening point, “shocking” their opponents with powerful hits and strong defensive play. The outcome was never in doubt as Attack racked up point after point to finish 25-15, 25-19.

Volleyball is a team sport and the depth of this team is the reason for its success. All ten players have won individual awards within the last three years, a veritable team of all-stars. Three different girls have won the MVP award at three separate Canadian Championships. Attack Black placed ten girls on the Canadian All-Star teams at these three championships. Consistently accurate passing from the back row, led by Libero Tayler Mitchell, helped setter Jordyn Moloney run the offence with the many options set up by the coaching staff. Strong outside hitting by Kellie Downing, Ali Goc & Melanie Johnston kept the opposition on their heels, while Middles Rebecca Glancy, Alysha Johnson & Ashley Mulholland scored while tending to their block assignments. Right Side Hitters Ali Loynachan and Erin Spraggs hit, blocked, served and even set the ball with authority, when required. A true team effort by all.

Where does a team with a 74-0 match record from this year and 183-7 record over two years go from here? As double-Canadian Champions this year, Attack Black team has qualified to participate in the 2007 Junior Olympics, hosted in the U.S. next July. Sponsors willing to help with the cost of this journey are encouraged to contact Evan Williams at ewilliams24@hotmail.com.