Lightning may be quick, but the Titans proved too powerful when it came to the Langley junior district volleyball championships.
The Langley Fundamental Titans won both the junior boys’ and girls’ district titles on Thursday, winning in straight sets at the expense of the Langley Christian Lightning in both matches.
The girls’ game was played at Brookswood Secondary while the boys squared off at Langley Fundamental.
All four teams advance to the Fraser Valley championships, as did the Brookswood Bobcats junior girls.
The Bobcats defeated Aldergrove 3-1 in the third-place game.
“They just have so much heart,” said Titans coach Laura O’Reilly, whose girls’ team won its second straight district title.
The Titans won 3-0 (25-9,25-15,25-13) over Langley Christian and will look to build on last year’ fourth place showing at Fraser Valleys.
The teams entered the playoffs ranked one-two in league standings, with Langley Fundamental at 8-0 and Langley Christian at 7-1.
O’Reilly said the team is defined by its willingness to put in the work and its togetherness.
“They are willing to sweat everyday,” she said. “And they love each other and work their butts off.” 
In the boys final, which was also on Thursday, the Titans won 3-0 (25-19,25-18,25-17).
The Titans came second at districts last year, losing to Langley Christian in the final.
“Last year, we were the little team that could,” said coach Jan Ellison. “This year, we are the big team that can.”
Gary AHUJA/Langley Times
Langley Fundamental Titans’ Kim Bauder (#11) sends the ball across the net while Langley Christian Lightning’s Sarah Kunst goes for the block during the junior girls district championship game at Brookswood Secondary last week (Nov. 10). The Titans won 3-0 and both teams advance to the Fraser Valley championships.
The Titans returned many of the players from last year’s squad, and after the experience they gained, they have turned in a dominant season so far.
The victory in the district final improved Langley Fundamental to 24-0 overall on the season.
Ellison said her team has shown great resiliency, pointing to an earlier match at a tournament against Langley Christian when they rallied back from a 16-3 deficit.
Another characteristic of the squad is the fact they are a balanced bunch, with anyone capable of stepping up and leading the attack.
Langley Fundamental’s Michael Hsu was named MVP while Steven Hsu and Carson Heppell were all-stars. Langley Christian’s Braden Heppell was also an all-star.
