Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Christian Royals claimed their second straight Okanagan Valley Senior A Boys Volleyball League title Saturday in Clearwater.
Chris Bannick’s Royals advance to the provincial playdowns, Nov. 20-22, at Abbotsford Christian.
The Royals swept the Kelowna Christian Knights 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-19) in the final with outside hitter Caleb Haberstock posting six kills while middle attackers Tim Bartel and Jacob Molitwenik contributed five kills apiece.
Captain Cole Kitagawa chipped in with three kills from the left side in the late stages of the match. Setter Colton Doesburg led a balanced attack all weekend, and along with Bartel, led the defence with three blocks.
“This was a complete team effort with many players coming in off the bench and playing effectively,” said Bannick. “The boys have really displayed a tenacious defensive work ethic and, combined with various attack options, have developed their determination to win.”
The Royals grounded the Clearwater Raiders 25-13, 25-12 and rallied late in sets to brush back the Knights 26-24, 25-17 in pool play. Down 19-24 in the first set, Tom Wolgram rang up two straight aces and served the rest of the set for the victory.
