For the first time in the school’s history, Centennial Christian School’s (CCS) Sr. Boys ‘A’ volleyball team has medaled at provincials.
The team took bronze at the tournament Nov. 21 - 23 in Duncan, boasting a 7-1 record overall and beating the home team for the medal in the consolation final.
And Grade 12 Nathan Struyk, setter/left side, was named a first team allstar, with Grade 11 Cole Nutma, middle, named to the second team.
“Both played a big role in the team’s success,” said coach Joel Ringma.
“However volleyball is a team game and we had tremendous contributions from all nine players. tandout play from all of our Grade 12’s - Middle Jason Bandstra, Left-side Lucas Lanterman and Left-side Ryan Roseboom. Right-side Lucas Mantel and Setter Evan Veldman did a remarkable job as the only Grade 9 starters in the tournament. First-year players (Grade 11) Middle Derek Leffers and (Grade 9) Libero Chad MacDonald were consummate team players, with great dedication to the team throughout the season.”
After going undefeated in the round-robin portion of the tournament, CCS faced a tough Cedars, from Prince George, team in the quarter finals. The last two years at provincials, CCS has had some tough match-ups in the quarter finals and hadn't been able to get into the top four. But this year, after losing the first set of their quarter final, CCS won the next three sets in a row, winning the quarter final match in the provincials for the first time in school history.
The semi-final against Abbotsford went a grueling five sets, with Abbotsford getting the best of CCS to send CCS to the consolation final.
In the bronze medal game on centre court against the home team, Duncan Christian School, CCS came out firing, silencing the hometown fans and winning the first set 25-12. Duncan and CCS split the next two sets. With CCS ahead two sets to one, the fourth set went to the wire, with clutch plays by everyone on the court resulting in a narrow 25-23 win and the bronze medal for the Centennial Christian Seahawks.
A highlight for the team was that Terrace could watch the boys win from home, thanks to the tournament being live-streamed.
“Having all the games streamed live through Sportscanada was a huge thrill for fans, family and friends back in Terrace and a giant boost to the team, knowing there were so many people supporting them at volleyball-watching parties back home,” said Ringma.