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Skeena Jr. Girls take Bronze in Prince George

Skeena Middle School’s Jr. Girls volleyball team won bronze at the 2013 Jr. Girls DP Todd Invitational tournament Oct. 25 and 26
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In back

Skeena Middle School’s Jr. Girls volleyball team came home with bronze medals following the 2013 Jr. Girls DP Todd Invitational tournament in Prince George over the Oct. 25 and 26 weekend, their second Prince George tournament this season.

Twelve teams attended the tournament, broken into three pools of four teams to start.

On Friday, Skeena’s first match against Dutchess Park B proved to be a see-saw battle with points going back and forth between the two teams. But Skeena ultimately prevailed, taking the match with a 25-14 win in the first set and 25-22 in the second set.

But Skeena saw more difficultly in the second match against Prince George Secondary School B, despite strong serves and good rallies, the Terrace team lost in two sets – 25-23 in the first, and 25-14 in the second. This meant Skeena entered into playoff second in their pool, and in a good position going forward.

The fourth quarter final game was against Chetwynd B, resulting in another blowout for Skeena. Skeena was able to capture the lead and never looked back, channeling good pressure and strong plays to take the first set 25-9 and the second 25-11.

This set them up for their fifth game against the first place team in the other pool, Kelly Road. Skeena struggled early with tips and short serves, but overcame these challenges to win the first set 25-13, and the second 25-20.

The sixth game, the semi-final, was against a team they’d already encountered – and won against – Dutchess Park B. But Skeena struggled with communications and unforced errors in this match, falling short, losing 25-18 in the first set and 25-23 in the second.

This result left Skeena playing in the bronze medal final against Cedars, where both teams took the lead for periods of a time, but Skeena was more able to capitalize on the momentum, securing a victory with mental toughness and good attacks, in sets of 25-16 and 25-23.

Coach Frank Marrelli said he was hoping for a first place finish, but felt the team showed signs of improvement in areas where the team was previously lacking.

The team has three more tournaments left before zones at Skeena on Nov. 22.

“Many thanks to all 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,” said Marrelli.