Durham Attack | Great Results for GU14 Red at Ontario Provincials

Durham Attack Volleyball Club had two teams competing at the tier 1 Ontario Provincials. G14U Red and G14U Black represented Durham Attack in Whitby on April 21st/22nd. In this tournament, Red was the definite underdog, seeded 16th out of 16 teams. Over the course of the tournament, Attack Red lived up to its name, fighting to a very respectable 9th place finish.

Pool Play

Durham Attack Red started the day in fine form against the 8th ranked Etobicoke Titans. The first game was ferocious, with Attack prevailing 25-23. The second game offered a comfortable Durham Attack victory of 25-11. Rachel had a fantastic serving run of 14 consecutive points. She was supported by her team, who refused to relinquish control of the ball.

Attack’s hopes were high as they faced the Scarborough Falcons. The first game was close, but Attack was disappointed with numerous unforced errors. The Falcons swooped in for a match victory of 22-25 and 15-25. Attack Red always embodies excellent sportsmanship; however this was a tough loss as the team felt they hadn’t played well. Post game, the coaches did a great job of turning a disappointing match into a learning experience. It was time to move on...

Match 3 pitted Attack Red against the #1 ranked DRVC team. The girls were determined to play their best. Game 1 fell to DRVC 10 – 25. Game 2 was well-played and exciting. Attack came on strong to get 21 points on DRVC before ceding the game 21-25. Overall, the team was strong and focused and felt positive about posing a strong challenge to DRVC in game 2.

Cross Over

Attack Red had to navigate against the Niagara Rapids in the cross over match. Game one, Attack played superbly to win 25-19. Game 2 was extremely hard fought with the Rapids surging ahead in the final few points of the game to take it 25-21. The tie-breaker pushed Durham Attack over the edge to lose 8-15. This was the most emotionally challenging match of the day, as Attack Red’s hopes for a top 5 finish were dashed.

One of the great things about volleyball however, is the character and learning that players take away from the experience. Once again, our wonderful coaches talked the girls through their emotions and they emerged stronger and wiser. Day 1 was over, and it was time for the team potluck and party.

Play Offs

In the first match of Day 2, Attack faced down the Waterloo Tigers. Attack Red was back in form, and played masterfully to win the match. Durham Attack kept Waterloo on the defensive to win the first game 25-18. The Tigers bared their claws to take the second game 24-26. The tie breaker was neck-in-neck. With a final burst of determination and skill, Attack prevailed 15-13 – whew!

At the Awards of Excellence ceremony, our team was very pleased to see the award go to Madison Cleary. Heartfelt congratulations to you Maddie for exemplifying commitment, sportsmanship and excellence on and off the court!

The final match of the day was for 9th and 11th place. Attack was determined to finish top 10, so losing was not an option! Attack was up against DRVC Blue. U14 Red was in top form. However, DRVC also played extremely well, and this was perhaps our most exciting volleyball of the tournament. The rallies were superb, with both sides playing gritty, hard-hitting games. Attack took the match in two games (scoring 25-23 in both). It was wonderful to finish 9th, but even better to end the season playing so well. The girls were elated, but also emotional as the reality set in - our wonderful season was over. However, it’s certainly not goodbye as we look forward to the year-end banquet, summer volleyball camp, and summer social activities. Thanks to our wonderful group of parents, coaches and congratulations GU14 Red on a fantastic season!

All photos...