Terrace’s Grade 8 girl’s select volleyball team trounced the competition two weeks ago in Prince George and will be heading to Volleyball BC provincials this week.
The 14U Six Packs Volleyball Club went undefeated to finish first in the northwest at regionals Saturday, April 12 in Prince George at New Caledonia, a tournament held to determine the teams’ rankings at provincials in Abbotsford April 25 and 26.
The 14U Six Packs club team is the first level of girls club volleyball in Terrace. These players feed into the 15U team which in turn feeds into the 17U team.
The team is hoping the strong finish in Prince George will mean they are ranked well at provincials and lead to a good finish to the season.
Four 14U teams attended regionals – Kodiaks Black from Prince George, Kodiaks Red from Prince George, Fort Nelson and Terrace’s Six Packs.
The Six Packs got off to a slow start in their first match against Kodiaks Black, with both teams struggling with passings. But late in the game Terrace was able to gain a lead and didn’t look back, taking both sets 25 – 12 and 25 – 19.
They then faced off against Kodiaks Red. The score stayed close, with Terrace winning the first match 25 – 23 but then falling 25 – 22 in the second match, testing their mental toughness and challenging the team. Terrace took the third and deciding set 15 –12, defeating their opponents with consistant serving and good discipline at the net.
The last round robin game saw Terrace up against Fort Nelson, where they kept up the consistent serving and won 25 – 6 and 25 – 5.
Three wins straight put them at the top of the standings and set them up for the fourth place team, Fort Nelson, in the semi-final.
Again, Terrace was able to pull out an early lead, and won both sets 25 – 5 and 25 – 2.
In the finals against Prince George’s Kodiak Blacks, Terrace got off to a good start in the first set with strong attacks and good passing leading to a 25 – 14 win. But in the second set, the Six Packs started to struggle with their second line and called in the first line to return and come from behind to win the nailbiter 25 – 22.
Coach Mark Neid and assistant coach Frank Marrelli said they were impressed with the “team’s self confidence and never quit attitude. The team remained strong mentally and had to battle back in a number of situations to secure their victory. The team served with the most consistency of the season and were able to generate strong attacks.
“Many thanks to all of the parents and family members who were able to accompany the team to Prince George (and also those who sent their support by means of social media and text) to cheer us on and assist as needed.”