The Vernon Christian Royals came out strong, winning two of three matches to open their ninth annual invitational senior boys volleyball tournament Friday afternoon.
Led by the serving of Zac Dubland and strong passing from libero Jake Thiessen, the Royals grounded the South Okanagan Hornets of Oliver 25-21, 25-20.
In the second match, outside hitters Travis Hoogland and Ryan Price provided power attacks over the Clearwater Raiders to earn a 25-16, 25-15 decision.
The Royals bowed 15-25, 25-22, 11-15 to the Cedars Christian Eagles of Prince George in their final tilt of the night.
Vernon faced the Mount Sentinel Wildcats of South Slocan Saturday morning. Playoffs went that afternoon.
Meanwhile, the VSS senior boys fell 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 21-25) to the Okanagan Mission Huskies in league play Tuesday at the Pit.
The boys got off to a rough start, despite some great hits from Brayden Damini and Shelby Hartwig. VSS answered back with great blocks from Hartwig, fantastic sets and saves from Nolan Weins and strong play from junior pickups Carson and Landon Mattes.
VSS junior Jaryd Fisher helped the Cats in the third set, while Weins had some incredible killer hits alongside Damini.
