By Robin Tarnowetzki
Journal Staff Writer
[email protected]
Ten high school volleyball teams congregated at Humboldt Collegiate Institute for the annual Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Sept. 26 and 27.
HCI ended up taking second in a tournament that also included Birch Hills, Kelvington, Creighton, Nipawin, Bedford Road, Bellevue, St. Brieux, Wadena, and Annaheim.
"We really grew as a team, and responded to some good competition," said coach David Millette. "We feel we are improving a lot every week."
The senior team that competed had eight new members, and Millette said they are becoming "extremely reliable and important parts of the volleyball program."
HCI won against Nipawin, Kelvington, and Birch Hills in the round robin and lost to Creighton. HCI beat Bedford Road in the quarter finals and Creighton in the semi-final rematch, losing in the final against Annaheim, who went undefeated the whole weekend.
"There were many stand-out moments," Millette said. "Jordan Bain started the tournament by serving 18 straight against Kelvington. There were numerous digs by guys like Tyler Behiel, and many of the guys got into a zone when spiking, including Jordan Bain, Will Eichorst, Tyler Demong, Lucas Selinger, and Josh Lees. Jarvis Lefebvre also turned some heads of other coaches with this amazing play as setter. He has been making smart decisions and becoming really consistent."
Millette said he is proud HCI can compete against a team like Annaheim, and the final game was very exciting.
"Audience turnout was great, especially in the finals, which were filled with Annaheim and Humboldt residents," he said. "They were treated to an exciting back and forth, game, which possessed many great plays, and amazing digs."
He went on to say that second place was a good achievement and still hope to improve.
"There are always things you can do differently, but that's part of the learning process of coaching," Millette said. "I don't regret the effort we gave, and that is really all we can ask for."
