CANORA - The Canora Composite School Cougars junior boys volleyball team welcomed the visiting Preeceville Panthers for a showdown on Oct. 22.
The Cougars battled hard throughout, according to Coach Shae Peterson, but Preeceville came out on top in all four sets by scores of 25-11, 25-15, 25-9 and 25-12.
The visitors started fast, scoring the first four points in the first set. Yet Canora battled back, cutting the deficit to 6-3. From there on, the Panthers gradually stretch out their lead to win the set.
Preeceville once again built a jumped out to a quick lead in the second set, and built a 12-4 advantage. But the Cougars found their game and played the Panthers even for the remainder of the set, cutting the deficit to 21-14 at one point. Preeceville withstood the test, and took the second set.
In the third set, Canora held a quick 2-0 lead and then battled the visitors to a 5-5 tie. But Preeceville found another gear, outscoring the Cougars 20-4 over the remainder of the set.
The fourth and final set saw the Panthers build a quick 10-2 advantage. Canora kept fighting, and later narrowed the score to 16-10. As they had done throughout, Preeceville played well late in the set for their fourth straight win.
Peterson said the Cougars have been playing hard and well right from the start of the season.
“I have seen a great amount of improvement. We are a very young team, having no Grade 9 players. However, it is a great group of kids that all enjoy learning and working at being better volleyball players.”
Even though he has little experience coaching volleyball, Peterson took over the CCS junior boys program in late September.
“I was super excited to help this team out. I played volleyball all throughout high school, so I am quite familiar with the game. I do however have lots of experience coaching, as I have helped with a few hockey teams, and have spent a lot of time coaching field lacrosse.
“I am a strong believer that sports can have a significant impact on a person's life. Sports teach many different life lessons, character traits, and can help create many lifelong friendships.”
CCS junior boys volleyball team members are: Brandyn Woicichowski, Yurri Olynyk, Noah Salikin, Kruze Oswald, Aidyn Tratch, Hudson Matychuk, Kaylem Babchishin, Caden Doogan, Seneca Crane, Knox Oswald, Kasen Heshka, Seth Propp, Reid Kitchen and Zarin Godhe.
“I have really enjoyed my time coaching this team and hope we can play a few more games before the season is over,” concluded Coach Peterson.
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