The Norquay/Sturgis Trojans senior boys volleyball team brought home a fourth place finish after participating in the SHSAA (Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association) provincial championships held in North Battleford on November 22 and 23.
Coach Kipp Bayer said “The boys played really well and worked very hard. I’m very proud of the team.”
The boys opened the tournament against Melville. In an exciting back and forth match, the boys were able to capture the match in two straight sets.
They went on to play two other matches, taking on both Moose Jaw Central as well as Humboldt.
“The boys played well in both matches, ultimately losing both in three sets,” said Heath Morin. “Round robin action concluded on the morning of November 23 against the host team of John Paul II of North Battleford. The boys dropped the first set before bouncing back to win the second set and force a third and deciding set which unfortunately got away from them.”
Compiling a 1 of 3 record in round robin, the boys finished third in their pool which earned them a berth in the quarter finals where they would take on the Marion Graham Falcons from Saskatoon, second place team in the other pool.
The teams split the first two sets leading to a third and deciding set which would be captured by the Trojans. The win advanced the boys to a semi-final showdown with the host John Paul II Crusaders. In what was yet another three-set match, the boys were unable to secure the victory.
Having dropped the semi-final, the boys saw themselves take on Humboldt in the bronze medal match.
“Once again the teams split the first two sets and ultimately Humboldt won the third set,” Morin said. “After all was said and done the boys walked away with a fourth-place finish. “Congratulations to all the players and their coach, Kip Bayer, on a very successful volleyball season,” he concluded.
