Morning Star Staff
The Fulton Maroons went undefeated in the 51st annual UBC Thunderbird Senior Boys Volleyball Tournament in Vancouver.
Ranked third in AA, Fulton dispatched the No. 2 Langley Fundamental Titans 25-23, 25-21 in Saturday’s final of the 40-team event.
“The boys were exhausted, since they had six matches on Saturday,” said Fulton head coach Richard Bedard. “But they pulled it out without losing a set all weekend. I couldn’t be more happy with their consistency and composure. A good start to the season.”
All-star awards went to Fulton outside hitters Danny Aspenlieder and Landon Currie, who were both in the summer provincial program.
In pool play, the Maroons grounded David Thompson, Walnut Grove, Steveston-London and Carver Christian, all Lower Mainland teams.
The Maroons mauled the George Elliot Coyotes of Lake Country 25-13, 25-13 in the round of 16 before toppling Delta AAA Pacers 25-23, 25-14. Fulton was down 12-5 in Game 1.
This led to a semifinal against the Cochrane Cobras of Alberta with Fulton prevailing 25-12, 25-13.
“We were concerned about their size, and that they had just beat AAA Kelowna Secondary in the quarters. But the boys stuck with their consistent play and they came out on top again,” said Bedard.
Fulton is in the MEI tournament in Abbotsford starting Friday.
The Vernon Christian School Royals placed third in their home tournament.
The Revelstoke Avalanche brushed off the Royals 16-25, 25-23, 15-13 in the semifinals Saturday afternoon with Royals co-captains Caleb Haberstock and Landon Matties recording several key blocks and kills.
“We were our own worst enemy in the second set as our first five serves were errors, “ said coach Chris Bannick. “We let them get a quick lead. We clawed our way back to make it close. The third set was a real battle.”
Royals middle Jacob Molitwenik was selected as an all-star. Valleyview Vikings of Kamloops won the final 25-17, 25-20 over the Avalanche.
In pool play, the No. 3 A ranked Royals swept No. 4 Kelowna Christian Knights and Revelstoke Avalanche before falling 26-24, 25-21 to Valleyview.
Back row defensive specialist Aaron Botterill registered key digs and passes in the late stages of the Kelowna match, while setter Brennan Seltzer served up three aces versus Revelstoke. Molitwenik rang up seven kills and two solo blocks, while outside hitter Haberstock chipped in with six kills and three ace serves against the Vikings.
The Royals ended pool play icing the South Okanagan Hornets with Brian Ferguson and Noah Christensen giving solid passing on serve receive.
