After a disappointing finish at the 14U provincial tournament in Winnipeg, Apr. 29 and 30, the girls rebounded to take silver at the National tournament last weekend in Abbotsford, B.C.
At provincials, Club West ranked #3, started strong going undefeated in their pool with wins over Vision 14U, Junior Bison Black, and RCV. Sunday’s playoff round started with a match against a feisty opponent in Big Sand who was able to take the first set but Club West rebounded sweeping the next two and advancing to the semi-final against the #2 ranked Dynamo Red.
After taking the first set, Club West came up short in the next two falling 2 sets to 1, sending them to the bronze medal game where they would meet the 4th ranked Cats Gold out of Brandon. After an emotional loss in the semi-final, Club West was unable to get back the level of play they have consistently shown this year and fell in straight sets, finishing 4th at the Provincial tournament.
Club West left for Abbotsford May 10, more determined than ever, and it showed as they finished day one undefeated and at the top of their pool with 2-0 wins over Canuck Pulse (AB), Victoria Black (BC), and Seaside Surf (BC). On day two, the Power Pool round, Club West continued their spirited play defeating Force (BC) and Winman Crush, both in three sets. The last game of the day was a showdown against the Manitoba provincial gold medalist Shock out of Winnipeg. After a hard fought battle, Club West came up just short losing in three sets (15-25, 25-23, 12-15). The loss was inconsequential however as both teams had already locked up a spot in the top tier in Sunday’s Playoff round.
The quarter final opponent for Club West was Crew 1 (BC). The girls battled and were able to come away with a win in the third set 15-12, setting up a provincial semi-final rematch of two weeks earlier against Dynamo Red. This time, a birth in the National gold medal game was on line. As was expected, a very well-played intense game ensued. Dynamo Red started strong and won the first set 25-17 but the tides turned in the second set which Club West won convincingly 25-11. A very determined group was not willing to re-live the heartbreak of the provincial semi-final loss and came out on top in the third set 15-11.
In the gold medal game, Club West found themselves against a familiar foe once again as Shock had also earned their way to the final match. The gold medal match was everything a final should be: intense, well-played, back and forth, and entertaining. Club West fell in three sets (17-25, 25-11, 15-11) earning the silver medal.
Those in attendance including parents, coaches, and spectators were amazed at how hard the girls played and the determination they showed throughout the tournament, but especially during Sunday’s final matches. Congratulations Club West Rage 14U on a terrific season! Many thanks to an incredible coaching staff and parent group for your support and encouragement.
Tournament notes: five of the eight teams that made the tier-1 pool were based out of Manitoba and all three medals were swept by Manitoba clubs; Shock (gold), Club West (silver), and Dynamo Red (bronze).
