The Kelowna Volleyball Club’s Under-18 boys had another great super series tournament in Nanaimo finishing its final tournament of the year with a second place effort and in the process securing its spot in the provincial championships in two weeks time.
The Kelowna Volleyball Club team lost to the U-18 Focus, the only team to beat Kelowna’s U-18 team this year.
Coach Paul Thiessen was happy with the second place performance as it secures the team a second place ranking going into provincials and will place Kelowna on the opposite side of the draw from the Focus, setting the stage for a potential match-up in the finals.
Devon Cote had an exceptional weekend leading all hitters with 53 kills, two blocks and two aces.
Isaac Smit also was a force with 32 kills , two aces and two blocks.
Cole Hanson was the team leader with six blocks, 15 kills and one ace.
Reid Lobson led the offense with some very accurate setting that made for some exciting combination plays.
Tanner Johnson just returned to the lineup after being in a cast for eight weeks with an severe ankle injury. He saw limited playing time but was welcomed relief player on the squad.
Liam Duncan was solid on the right side with his block and side-out hitting with 22 kills of his own. Adam Kern was hot and cold over the weekend while Jory Dickie has been constantly improving his libero play.
Dakoda Huber has improved his consistency in relief on the right side and put up some nice blocks of his own as well.
“The boys played with lots of spirit and showed that they can play with anyone if we stay fresh, play with passion and tenacious defence,” said coach Paul Thiessen.
This upcoming week Kelowna travels to Calgary for a best of the west event which will feature the three top
B.C. teams, three from Alberta and two from Manitoba.
