Power Rachel Von Hahn earned MVP as the Kalamalka Lakers brushed back the Kelowna Christian School Knights 2-1 (18-25, 28-26, 15-13) in Saturday’s thrilling final of the Fulton Maroons Senior Girls Volleyball Tournament.
Setter Amanda Bennett of the Lakers joined Libero Jessica Houghton and middle Hana Ouchi, both of Fulton, on the all-star team.
The Knights are ranked No 2 in the provincial A poll and they played the AA Lakers tough.
“They served well and kept us on our toes,” said Kal head coach Chris Bennett. “In the end, I think that they were not up to our strong offence. Kaelyn Parmelee, Toni Vandenbrink and Daralyn Schepp are three Grade 11s that have really stepped up their game. When they get going, they can offensively dominate a weaker team. They are hard hitters that can be scary for a team with a small block. “
Added Bennett: “Katie Rogers, Jeevan Jaswal, Danielle Fox and Brianna Niehaus consistently passed, served and hit the ball. They play so strong in the background you hardly notice them, but when the pass is on the money and the hitters are in the air ready to hit the ball, someone is going to eat some leather.”
Fulton took the bronze medal with a 2-0 (22-25, 25-13) win over South Kamloops AAAA Titans. The Maroons, who got great play from middle Kolby Richter, bowed 2-0 (25-17, 25-15) to the Knights in the semifinals.
Kal knocked out South Kam 2-1 (20-25, 25-15, 15-13) in the other semi.
The Lakers swept the VSS Panthers, lost 2-1 to Kelowna Christian and iced the Prince George Polar Bears in preliminary play.
