Morning Star Staff
The No. 2 ranked AA Fulton Maroons won the Thompson Rivers University 24-team senior boys volleyball tournament in Kamloops.
The Maroons stopped Winnipeg’s third-ranked AAAA St. Paul’s Crusaders in Saturday’s final, falling 30-28 in Game 1 before ringing up wins of 25-19, 15-12 for gold.
Fulton went undefeated in pool play defeating Kamloops Christian Eagles (25-11, 25-14), Delta Pacers (25-14, 25-21) and Okanagan Mission Huskies of Kelowna (25-23, 25-20).
An automatic berth into the quarterfinals matched them up with D.P. Todd Trojans of Prince George with the Maroons taking the opening game 25-16.
The Maroons clawed from behind in Game 2 for a 29-27 thrilling win highlighted by some monster blocks on the Trojans’ top hitter by Ryan Doerges and Landon Currie.
Fulton then stuffed the Ecole Secondaire McRoberts Strikers of Richmond 25-21, 25-14 in the semifinal.
“The first day we did not play very inspired volleyball,” said Fulton head coach Richard Bedard. “The boys are experienced enough to pull out the win, but they knew they had to do more. On Saturday, the team started to play to their potential. Ryan Doerges was solid in passing and digging, while Bryn Bedard was still working hard at getting the offence to full potential.
“Jordy Barr and Christian Harpe continue to improve every match and contributed with some key blocks and hits.”
All-stars were Danny Aspenlieder and Currie.
The Maroons play a showcase match against second-ranked AAA Mt. Boucherie Bears of West Kelowna Friday at Fulton at 1:45 p.m.
