Morning Star Staff
The Vernon Christian School Royals will be the Okanagan Valley’s No. 2 seed in the B.C. Senior A Boys Volleyball Championships, Nov. 24-26, in Terrace.
The Kelowna Christian Knights swept the host Royals 3-0 (25-20, 25-18, 25-18) in Saturday’s final.
Jackson Kathler led the Royals in hitting and serving the whole match while Ben Molitwenik succeeded in 15 of 29 swings, rang up 17 assists and contributed defensively with 1.5 blocks. Libero Kody Kongsdorf sparked the Royals with six digs, while Josh Chirkoff and Ethan Jameson both made several defensive blocks in the middle.
“KCS showed that they were a veteran team that knew how to execute better than us late in sets when the score was close,” said Vernon head coach Chris Bannick.
“Their size helped them in blocking but we found ways around it to get points. A close, well played match. My boys played well with lots of grit and determination. If we learn to execute better late in those tight sets, we will have great results at provincials.”
In semifinal action, the Royals ousted the Charles Bloom Timberwolves 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-19).
Molitwenik paced the attack from the outside and pipe positions hitting 20 kills in 27 attempts.Middle block/attack Noah Podolski went 5-for -7 in kills and supplied several strong serves. Aaron Botterill went 6-for-14 and won match point with a crushing hit down the line.
Ranked No. 8 in the province, the Royals began Saturday morning by finishing pool play with a 25-8, 25-19 victory over the Kamloops Christian Eagles.
Kaden Koshman was solid in setting and from the serving line with two aces.
Outside attackers Jacob Molitwenik and Botterill recorded 12 and four kills respectively. The Royals earlier went 2-1 in preliminary play.
