The Canmore Crusaders senior boys volleyball team claimed bronze in their first tournament of the year as they defeated West Island College (WIC) in the consolation match on Saturday (Sept. 14) at the Canmore Collegiate High School.
Canmore wrapped up round-robin play Saturday morning ranked a the top of their pool. In the playoffs, they defeated Our Lady of the Snows in the first game, then qualified for the semifinals, but ended up losing to Rundle.
The two matches led to a showdown with WIC.
Shifts in momentum were evenly paced between the two teams, with some well placed hits keeping the scorekeeper busy throughout the sets. The final score for the second set was 25-15 for WIC.
The Crusaders were ready in the third to return some of the heat faced in the second set, with Luke Praught and team captain Aidan Millar delivering some heavy hits right up to the end of the match – leading to a 2-1 win for the Crusaders.
Crusaders Coach Bill Praught said Tomas Botas and Matt Kemper really shone during the tournament and the team is coming along nicely, with more focus on team fundamentals such as blocking and positioning needed. Praught and Millar agree those skills will come throughout the season as the team continues to gel and work as a single unit.
“The guys played really well, it’s the first tournament of the year – they’ve only had five practices, so you can’t expect a lot this early in the season, but the guys played well,” said Praught. “We faced two tough teams and came close to winning against Rundle. But it’s the type of competition the guys need early in the season to get going and get started.”
Praught pointed out this year’s team has quite a few returning members, which will hopefully lead to the squad finding its rhythm quicker into the season.
“Last year we were preaching patience and this year the guys are ready to play – it’ll be a better and stronger team this year ... so for the guys to make semifinals and win the bronze medal is a good achievement,” Praught said.
“I think we played really well, and I think it’s one of the best starts we’ve had with our season, Millar said. “Our offence is running really well and so is our defence and everyone is really happy about that – those are the biggest positives so far.”
