The Sacred Heart High School (SHHS) Senior Saints boys' team competed at the Regional volleyball tournament in Indian Head recently. Six teams were in attendance. In pool A, there was Oxbow, Melville and Indian Head. Pool B consisted of Sacred Heart, Kipling and Kamsack.
The Saints team started the tournament against Kamsack, beating them in two easy sets both scoring 25-11. In the second match, the SHHS played Kipling in a nail biting game which went to three sets. Sacred Heart was caught sleeping in the first set, losing 19-25. "In the second set the boys fought hard, knowing if they lost to Kipling, they would have to face off against Oxbow in the semi-final, which is a very strong team and could eliminate their chances at making provincials," reports coach Curtis Moen. Sacred won the second set 25-17.
The third set was the most exciting and nerve wracking set the team played all season. Both teams played very well. The Saints were pumped up and fighting for every point. Sacred Heart trailed 21-24 but made a comeback to win 27-25.
In the semi-final match, Oxbow defeated Kipling while Sacred Heart faced Melville, going to three sets and winning 25-16, 13-25 and 25-22.
The win advanced Sacred Heart to the final game against Oxbow. Oxbow swept the first set13-25. In the second set, the Saints led the game in points for most of the set, but exhaustion took its toll and the Saints lost 19-25. Both Oxbow and Sacred Heart advance to the provincial competition November 25 and 26 in Wilkie.
Ten teams will be at the provincial competition divided into two pools of five.
"I am very proud of the team as they gave it all they had to fight through some close games. Dylan Johnson fought through an ankle injury while still putting in many middle hits at the net. Setter Colin Shewchuk assisted the team with his excellent positioning of the ball. It was our team's goal to advance to provincials and we look forward to the competition" says Moen.
