It wasn’t the exact prize the Kelowna Christian Knights had in mind.
Still, with a second straight runner-up performance, the Knights once again proved they belong with the elite high school A girls’ programs in B.C.
The Knights reached the final of the 2017 provincial championship Saturday in Fernie, before falling to Chilliwack’s Unity Christian in four sets (25-27, 26-24, 20-25, 15-25).
“The KCS girls competed extremely well all week and weekend,” said Knights’ head coach Marlin Toews. “From the first day to the last there were no games which could be taken lightly.
“It was a great experience for all of them, and as their coach, I am very proud of their team effort.”
After going 2-1 in pool play, KCS defeated Southpointe in the round of 16, then Sparwood in the quarterfinals.
In the semis, the Knights earned another four-set win (25-16, 20-25, 25-19 25-10) over Elkford to advance to the championship final.
Assistant coach Dave Bingham said while KCS didn’t get the ultimate result, it was another season for the Knights worthy of praise.
“There are 83 single A teams in B.C., so to finish second is very good,” said Bingham. “It always tough to lose when you get so close, but when you put it all in perspective it was a great accomplishment for the girls.
“It’s not the (medal) we wanted but we’ll certainly take it.”
Knights’ captain Kara Stasiewich and Victoria Schriemer both received first-team all-star awards, while setter Hannah Sherstobetoff was named to the second all-star team. All three players, along with Julia Toews and Madi Martens, are in Grade 12 and will graduate from the program.
The rest of the Knights are: Abby Heinen, Mackayla Sader, Mallory Sader, Maggie Becker and Taysha Boulter.
