The Vernon Velociraptors upgraded their tournament results on the weekend.
After finishing third in two Super League tournaments that count toward provincial rankings, the Velociraptors U16 boys volleyball team took gold at the Trinity Western University Spartans Invitational tournament in Langley.
“It was a total team effort this weekend, and the boys really persevered over the weekend. They had a poor showing on Saturday, but really dug deep and showed they could pull it together,” said co-coach Richard Bedard, who is joined on the bench by Fane Triggs.
In power pool play, the Velociraptors defeated the Kamloops Pack 25-16, 25-18, lost to Apex Paranoia of East Vancouver 25-23, 25-16, lost to Force 25-16, 17-25, 15-13, and then defeated Air Attack Black of Richmond 20-25, 25-17, 15-8.
Coming off a 2-2 showing on the first day, the Vernon squad came out roaring in the Tier 1 playoffs.
Playing Fraser Valley Volleyball Club (ranked #1) in the quarterfinals, they upset the favorites 29-27, 19-25, 15-4. Local rivals, the Kelowna Volleyball Club, went down 25-15, 22-25, 15-7 in the semifinal. The final was a rematch against Apex Paranoia, which led them to a championship with a resounding 25-13, 25-23 decision in the final.
The Velociraptors include Danny Aspenlieder, Jordy Barr, Bryn Bedard and Landon Currie from Fulton Secondary; Troy Atkinson, Adam Roemer and Avery Triggs from Seaton; Caleb Haberstock from Vernon Christian; and Eric Embleton, Landon Matties and Sean Morgan from Vernon Secondary.
