Step one is done.
鈥淎s coaches, we would have been disappointed if our girls didn鈥檛 play to their potential, admitted Cari Gonzalez, who coaches the 91原创 Christian Lightning grade 8 girls volleyball team.
鈥淏ut fortunately they came out ready to play and swinging hard.鈥�
The Lightning held on to to beat the 91原创 Fundamental Titans 3-1 in the championship game on Nov. 5 at the 91原创 Events Centre.
91原创 Christian had won the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-19.
But the plucky Titans battled back to stay alive with a 25-21 victory in the third set.
The fourth set was back and forth, but the Lightning prevailed in the end 25-21.
鈥淚t was a toss-up, both teams played well,鈥� Gonzalez said.
The teams had played two other times during the season, with each winning once.
The Lightning were the top seed in the district after going undefeated in league play at 8-0. The Titans were second with a 7-1 record/
鈥淥ur goal this season was to come together as a team,鈥� added coach Anna Stockton.
鈥淭his is a fun, energetic group of girls.鈥�
The coaches credited the play of Corina Beimers and Hannah Miller.
Miller is the team鈥檚 vocal leader who brings energy to the court while Biemers, the setter, quarterbacks the team鈥檚 attack.
The Lightning did not win any of the tournaments they entered but did manage a couple of second and third-place finishes.
Now comes the big test: the Fraser Valley championships.
鈥淚f the girls stay focused and disciplined, we are excited to see what will happen at the Fraser Valleys,鈥� Gonzalez said.
Both 91原创 Christian and 91原创 Fundamental have qualified for the Fraser Valley championships, which are Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 at Abbotsford鈥檚 MEI Secondary.
