It was a big weekend for the North Battleford Comprehensive High School senior volleyball teams, and because of their success at regionals they will be strong contenders at provincials this weekend.
The NBCHS girls were in Prince Albert and beat Prince Albert St. Mary in the north regional championship in two sets to win gold.
The Vikings beat Meadow Lake in the semifinal after losing the first set 25-17. After that, they rebounded to win 25-20 and 25-14 to advance to the championship game.
The NBCHS girls' team was undefeated on the weekend, losing just one set and they beat Warman, Prince Albert St. Mary and John Paul II in straight sets in the round robin.
John Paul II gave Warman a good match in the round robin, as they battled to a 25-16, 25-22 loss. John Paul II also lost to the Vikings and St. Mary in the round robin.
In Melfort, the 5A boys' teams were in action looking for the north regional crown. Like the girls, NBCHS played St. Mary in the final, but this time it was St. Mary winning gold and the Vikings taking home silver. Prince Albert won the gold medal match by scores of 25-19, 26-24.
In the semifinal, the Vikings won 25-20, 25-14 over Melfort.
In the round robin, the Vikings were 2-0 after beating John Paul II 25-15, 25-14 and Meadow Lake 25-18, 30-28.
John Paul II also lost to Meadow Lake in the round robin game and lost to Melfort 25-17, 25-23 in the quarter-finals.
The NBCHS boys will be in Prince Albert for provincials Saturday and Sunday. The draw was being completed this week, but the Vikings know there will be some stiff competition. St. Mary is the reigning back-to-back provincial champion and will be joined by Regina Campbell, Saskatoon St. Joseph, Yorkton Regional, Regina Balfour, Saskatoon BJM, Estevan, Prince Albert Carlton and Weyburn.
The girls will be in Moose Jaw competing with the 2010, '08 and '07 champions from Weyburn along with Saskatoon Marion Graham, Regina LeBoldus, Regina Campbell, Saskatoon St. Joseph, Moose Jaw Peacock, Prince Albert St. Mary, Meadow Lake and Moose jaw Central.
Check out Friday's Regional Optimist for a complete volleyball report from teams across the Northwest.
