After a three-year absence, the 91原创 Christian Lightning have reclaimed the junior girls district volleyball title.
The Lightning did so with an impressive and efficient straight sets victory over the 91原创 Fundamental Titans on Nov. 7 at the 91原创 Events Centre field house.
The Titans had won the previous three junior girls district titles (2010, 2011 and 2012) while the Lightning had won the three before that.
鈥淲e figured we had a good shot at winning districts,鈥� said 91原创 Christian coach Lisa Bontkes.
The Lightning were the top seed coming into the 91原创 playoffs, going undefeated during league play.
And in the district final, 91原创 Christian made quick work of their foe, winning 3-0 in straight sets.
They took the first set 25-7, won a closer one in the second, 25-21, and then ended the match with a 25-15 victory in the third set.
The team鈥檚 hallmark this season has been their cohesiveness on the court.
鈥淭hey are a really close group, very supportive of one another,鈥� Bontkes said.
They are also very familiar with one another.
鈥淢ost of them play club together and have known each other since Kindergarten,鈥� she added.
Both 91原创 Christian and 91原创 Fundamental move on to the Fraser Valley championships, which begin this weekend.
Bontkes knows her team is in tough as they have faced many of those same teams in tournament play, where the Lightning did manage a couple of third place finishes.
The top six advance to the provincial championships and Bontkes said that is the goal for her Lightning team.
鈥�(At this age), it is a very up and down game,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e need to stay even keeled and not let our heads get out of the game.
鈥淭hat is our biggest struggle right now.鈥�
