HUMBOLDT, MUENSTER, ANNAHEIM, LEROY — After claiming a regional championship, the Humboldt Collegiate Institute senior girls volleyball team is off to provincials.
Last Saturday, the team won its regional, which was hosted by La Ronge’s Churchill High School. The HCI squad was tested at times but went undefeated in four games to win the championship and earn its provincial berth. The team was guided by Jamie Dyok, who stepped in for the head coach, for the weekend.
“As the step-in coach for Jarrod Regush, I couldn't have been more proud of these young ladies and how they never quit,” Dyok said. “There were a few tough moments, but they always battled back and never lost hope that they could do it.
"This team is great because they are supportive of each other and believe in the word ‘team.’"
HCI will play this weekend in the 4A provincial tournament in Moosomin. Dyok said the team is looking forward to it.
“They know the competition will be tough, but this is what they have worked hard and practiced for all season,” she said. “The girls are excited for the opportunity and memories that will come from this weekend and the overall experience of being at provincials.”
At regionals, HCI topped its pool by beating the hosts and Melfort in two sets each. The team advanced to play the second-place squad from the other pool. Against Nipawin’s L.P. Miller Comprehensive School, the Humboldt team lost the first set. Dyok said the players battled back hard and “with strong teamwork, communication and smart game play” earned a spot in the finals.
Versus Yorkton’s Sacred Heart High School, HCI lost the first set. Dyok said the student-athletes “had to once again come together as a team.”
“They were tired and sore but came out swinging in the second set and with the goal of a medal and being able to go into provincials as a first-place team,” she said. “They cheered each other on, celebrated each big moment and came out victorious.”
Muenster
On Nov. 12, the Muenster School senior boys team hosted and won the conference tournament. The Cougars were 3-0 after beating teams from Englefled, 2-1; Choiceland, 2-0; and Annaheim, 2-0. Annaheim and Muenster qualified for regionals. At that event, for which the location had not been set at the Journal deadline, the Muenster team hopes to qualify for 1A provincials.
“We are a pretty balanced team, with our focus being passing and setting and then letting our big hitters do their thing,” coach Joel Taphorn said. “These skills allow us to present a pretty balanced attack from varying positions.”
Earlier this season Muenster won the Horizon School Division’s Senior Boys North League title. It beat HCI 2-1.
“The league final was a back and forth game between two skilled teams,” Taphorn said. “After winning the first set 25-8, HCI stepped up their game and defeated us in the second set by a score of 25-22. It wouldn't be a final without having a third set.
“The third set saw both teams attacking and defending well. Eventually Muenster won the third set by a score of 15-6. Both sides played hard and demonstrated quality defense with timely hits.”
After finishing second in the conference playoffs, the Muenster senior girls placed fourth at regionals at Saskatoon’s Legacy Christian Academy. The top three teams at regionals advance to provincials.
LeRoy
The LeRoy School senior girls volleyball team placed second at the regionals held at Legacy Christian. The team advances to the 1A provincials in Loreburn this weekend. Earlier this season LeRoy won the Horizon School Division’s Senior Girls North East League title over Quill Lake. Coach Brody Johb said the team’s work ethic and how the players hold each other accountable has made it successful.
“This year the team is a really close-knit group so the comradery and a real ‘team first’ mentality has pushed the team as the season progressed,” he said. “These girls play every game for each other and it is inspiring to watch. We have three returning members from the 2019-20 provincial silver medalist team, and they are big leaders on and off the court. I could not have asked for a better group of girls to coach.”
Annaheim
The Annaheim School senior girls finished third at regionals at Legacy Christian. They are headed to 1A provincials in Loreburn.
In conference playdowns in Muenster on Nov. 12, the Annaheim senior boys had a 2-1 record. It earned them a spot for the regionals.
Last week for the Horizon School Division Junior Boys Central League championship, Annaheim beat Humboldt in a tight match, 3-2. For Annaheim, it went 24-26, 25-23, 25-22, 14-25, and 16-14.
HCI Junior Boys
The Humboldt junior boys won the Horizon Central Athletic Association championship. They beat Muenster, 2-1, in the finals. Coach David Millette said the team was successful at districts for many reasons, including:
“First, our entire team bought into a team-centred approach. We pushed each other in practice to be better and supported each other. Secondly, our team was mentally prepared. We understood we had ability and were able to calm the nerves needed to beat a very good team in Muenster.”
St. Augustine & St. Dominic
Last week St. Augustine School won the HCCA Junior “B” Boys district championship. The team beat Humboldt Public School for the title.
“After losing to HPS in the league final, the boys knew they had to play hard in the district playoff,” coach Stephanie Moorman said. “It was a great game. The scores were extremely close and both teams played great. It was nice to see the skill development in both teams throughout the season. She said it was a pleasure to coach the team.
“They were dedicated players - committed to being at 7:30 a.m. practices, and always putting their best effort in,” Moorman said. “Their determination really paid off in the end.”
Earlier this season, St. Dominic School beat LeRoy for the Horizon School Division’s Junior “B” Girls North Central League title.
Humboldt Public School
Earlier this season, Humboldt Public School beat St. Augustine, 2-1, for the Horizon School Division’s Junior “B” Boys North League championship. HPS sports rep Colin Olchowski said many Grade 8 members of the team have been playing Junior B volleyball since Grade 6 when there was a need for players to field a team.
