'Heart, determination' the cornerstone of Bombers Volleyball season
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The L.V. Rogers found the competition tough at the BC High School AAA Girl's Volleyball Championships in Vancouver, finishing 14th overall in the 16-team field.
LVR lost a heartbreaking 2-1 decision to GW Graham of Chilliwack during consolation round action.
"Our 14th placing does not reflect how well these girls played through out the tournament," said Bomber coach Jennifer Kidd.
"There were no 'weaker' teams, they were all stronger than we have seen at previous provincial championships. They played hard against top ranked teams, fighting for every point through every match, and playing to a level they never have before."
Finishing third in round robin action, LVR lost to WL Seaton of Vernon in the opening game of consolation round action, 25-13, 25-17, 25-18.
The Bomber then met Alberni, against losing 21-25, 25-19, 15-13.
"This was such an exciting match," said Kidd.
"We played with heart and determination. However in the tie breaking set, they were ahead 11-7 and unfortunately let Alberni creep back to win 15-13. It was a heartbreaking loss as this made our top 10 finish, unreachable."
In the next match, Saturday morning, against Hugh McRoberts, the Bombers had another battle, but were able to come out on top.
"The girls wanted/needed this game to keep the 13th spot in reach and after the devastating loss the day before, they had a tough mental game ahead of them," said Kidd.
"They came out hard, played every point like it was the last, and won in two straight. (26-24, 25-23)."
The Bombers faced off against GW Graham for 13th spot.
LVR won the first set 25-23, but could not close the deal losing the second set 23-25.
Kidd said the third set was a grinder.
"The game shifted back and forth several times, but in the end, our girls lost steam in the final points, losing 11-15."
Kidd said that although LVR had a winning season, the players have not faced off against high level teams on a regular basis, the last time being Thanksgiving weekend at the UBCO tourney in Kelowna.
"Without that kind of regular level of competition, it’s hard to prepare for the mental game," she said.
"I know these girls had it in them, it showed with each and every set they played, as they got better and better every time they took the court. If we had stronger competition in the last month, I feel they would have been better prepared."
LVR's Bailey Stefani (#15) received a provincial Honourable Mention during the closing ceremonies; a new accolade for LVR.
Kidd said the Bombers would like to say a sincere thank you to all the sponsors for their generosity in helping them get to provincials: Red Dog Carpentry, Spearhead, Kootenay Chimney, Alfab Mfg, JB Office, Big Cranium, Sitkum, Snowpack and the Nelson Police Department.
