The Kalamalka Lakers brushed back the Fulton Maroons 2-0 (25-15, 25-20) in Saturday’s final of the VSS Panthers Senior Girls Volleyball Tournament.
Kal went undefeated in the round-robin and playoff draw, stopping the NorKam Saints, the Princeton Rebels and VSS in the pool play. They then iced Westsyde Whundas and Sa-Hali Sabres in the playoffs.
“It was a strong performance by the whole team,” said Kal coach Chris Bennett. “We have worked on improving our serving and serve receive and it showed. Danielle Fox and Jeevan Jaswal served really well. Katie Rogers and Kaelyn Parmelee passed great.
“The better passing allowed Amanda Bennett to run a varied offence. She really distributed the ball well. Toni Vandenbrink is getting better every time she plays and is eager to contribute in the power position. Brianna Niehaus was a key support in front and back row throughout the tournament and gave other players some needed rest. “
Offensively, Rachel Von Hahn and Daralyn Schepp were singled out as all-stars for Kal, ranked No. 5 in the AA provincial poll.
“The Fulton girls did not play their best match against us and I am looking forward to having more close games against them,” added Bennett, assisted by Michell Bennett. “It’s fun for the girls to play against each other. They are really good friends, so the competition is always entertaining.”
Fulton, coached by Sharon Shaigec, had captain and power hitter Laura Rozka and front row setter Kelli Watson named to the tourney all-star team. Rozka and middle blocker Kolby Richter each registered 35 tournament kills.
In pool play, the Maroons swept the AAA George Elliot Coyotes of Lake Country, Westsyde and Sa-Hali before toppling VSS 2-0 (25-15, 25-15) in the quarterfinals and Princeton 2-0 (25-20, 25-13) in the semis.
Hana Ouchi earned 16 kills for Fulton, while Christie Allen and Jacquie Banks rounded out the offence with 13 kills each. Jessica Houghton kept the attack rolling with consistent back row play.
Alana Young and Danielle Olson recorded three ace serves, while Allie Sheehan provided relief in the front row for Watson.
The Maroons face Kalamalka in league play Tuesday before holding their home tournament starting next Friday.
The Panthers, coached by Keith Becker, finished fifth in the eight-team event.
“The girls all played great this weekend,” said Becker, who is assisted by Deanna Fester. “The team just keeps getting stronger and stronger and with another successful weekend, the team is looking forward to the rest of the season. A special thank you to 5 Star Awards for the plaque donation for the first-place team.”
Middle Maddy Sawka ran lots of quicks up the middle, and supplied great blocking all day on Saturday, while power Ashley Willmott provided four kills in one set versus Elliot. Sonora Bohaychuk turned in stellar passing all tournament.
The VSS senior boys won the Rutland Voodoos tournament, ambushing the NorKam Saints 2-0 (25-14, 25-15) in the finals.
The Cats’ Ryan Ryder, a junior, was named tournament MVP.
Germano Brunello’s crew – ranked in the top-10 provincially – iced Guilford Park Sabres of Surrey 2-0 (25-10, 25-12), dusted off NorKam 2-0 (25-14, 25-16) and beat Rutland 2-0 (25-16, 25-19) in preliminary play.
