The 07/08 season has been tough on the born in ’92 boys. Playing in the U16 and
U17 tournaments as well as practicing, keeps a person busy. With only one medal
so far this season and a recent demotion to the U16 Tier 2 competition, this
past weekend’s Bugarski Cup was the only opportunity for the boys to get back to
Tier 1 where they could try and improve on last years Bronze medal winning
finish at Provincials. Due to the recent loss, resulting from the broken arm
(snow boarding anyone?) of setter and co-captain, Scott Cockburn, the team had
to pull together to get back into Tier 1.
Starting in a
pool of three, playing three sets to 25, was hard on the short bench but match 1
against Forest City Blue went well. Steady setting from Tim Flynn and
consistent hard hitting attacks and picture perfect blocks from right side Pete
Koropatwa set the pace for three straight set victories 25-11, 25-10, 25-19.
Match two against the Roos - Black, was split 2 to 1 in our favour, largely due
to the domination by middles Mark Waldon with 7 kills and Pierre Auger with 6
solo, roof blocks. The quarter final match against Roos - Grey finished in two
quick sets with power players Bryan Wysocki and Sebastien Keegan pounding line
shots to the floor over the block, at will.
The
semi-final opened with a 17- 25 loss to a very strong and determined Pegasus
line up. That is when Tom Alayon stepped up the game as Libero to show why he
is quickly being recognized as one of the best natural passers in club history.
Kieran Sadler came in to right side, bringing all the energy needed to stage a
spectacular 25 – 21, 17 – 15 come back win, sending the team into the final and
back to Tier 1 where they belong. The final match, a return engagement with
Roos Black, was always in control with Middle, Nate Minard and Power, Cam Wynn
stepping in to clinch the first Gold medal of the season for the U16 boys in 2
sets 25 – 23, 25 – 16.
Many thanks
go out to the family and friends that made the trip to Kingston to support the
team as they made their return to the fight for medals at Tier 1 Provincials.
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