CANORA - After starting practice just over a week earlier on the first day of school, the Canora Composite School Cougars senior girls volleyball team members showed they were ready for the new season on Sept 11.
Kamsack Comprehensive Institute was in town for a match, “with both teams bringing their best efforts to the field. CCS secured a well-deserved victory, setting a strong tone for the rest of the season,” said CCS Coach Hannah Maurer.
The Cougars jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first set, but KCI clawed their way back to tie proceedings at 16-16. The Cougars never trailed, however, and closed out the set with a 25-17 victory.
In the second set the Cougars once again saved their best for when the finish line was in sight, and pulled away later for a 25-12 win.
The third set saw the visitors bring some of their best play of the match, with KCI opening up an 11-5 lead at one point. But the determined home team turned things around and pulled out a 25-16 victory.
Scores for the remainder of the match were unavailable.
Maurer began her CCS coaching career with the senior boys team in 2021, and is now in her third season at the helm of the senior girls team.
“This year's team is an exciting group with a lot of potential,” she said. “One of our key strengths is their strong sense of teamwork and communication on the court. The girls really support one another, which creates a positive team environment and helps them stay motivated during challenging moments in matches. Overall, their dedication and work ethic make them a well-rounded team with lots of potential to grow as the season progresses.”
Maurer says her enjoyment of coaching volleyball combines her love for the sport with the opportunity to help students grow both as athletes and as individuals.
“With this team in particular, I enjoy how coachable they are. The girls are eager to learn and take feedback really well, which makes practices productive and enjoyable. They have a great attitude, always putting in the effort, and they’re genuinely supportive of one another, which creates a positive team culture. Watching them improve over time and seeing their confidence grow, both on and off the court, is one of the most fulfilling parts of coaching.”
Putting in the effort to excel in volleyball also gives these student athletes more tools to help them later in life.
“The lessons learned in volleyball extend far beyond the court,” said Maurer. “One of the biggest takeaways is the importance of teamwork and communication, skills that are essential in almost every aspect of life – whether it’s in their future careers, personal relationships, or other team environments.
“Discipline, time management, and commitment are other valuable lessons, as balancing school, sports, and personal life requires organization and dedication. Ultimately, the life skills learned through volleyball shape them into well-rounded individuals ready to succeed in whatever they choose to pursue after their volleyball days are over.”
Members of the 2023/24 CCS senior girls basketball team are: Falyn Ostafie, Natalie Pshyk, Merrick Derkatch, Cairwyn Bailey, Katherine Hauber, Meekah Unick, Ava Love, Paisley Wolkowski, Miah Ruf, Irena Yannoulis, Jessee Kopelchuk and Delta Salikin.
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