The Vernon Christian Royals advanced to the Tier 1 playoffs after a strong Friday outing at the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack senior boys volleyball tournament in Kamloops.
The Royals lost their first match, 24-26, 22-25, to the G.P. Vanier Towhees of Courtenay, but rebounded with a sweep (25-15, 25-12) of the Mt. Sentinel Wildcats of South Slocan.
In their final match in pool play, the Royals ground out a 25-22, 26-24 decision over he feisty NorKam Saints.
The Royals were led by outside hitter Travis Hoogland, who had 31 kills on the day. Ryan Price supplied solid back-row passing, 14 kills and three aces. Middle player Tim Bartel led the team with six blocks and also served up a trio of aces.
Setter Zac Dubland balanced the attack all day and came up with some nice digs, while libero Jake Thiessen passed solidly from the back court.
