Strategies by the junior varsity coach Ron Labrie appear to be working after his Broncs girls won their first game of the season.
The junior varsity girls defeated the Rocky Mountain House West Central Rebels in four sets Tuesday, Oct. 21. Fans were treated to a nail biter fourth game as the Broncs, coming from behind, squeaked by to win 27-25.
“Every day is better. We had a very good first two games. We got on some good serving and they made more mistakes than we did,” explained Labrie.
While the Broncs were able to win the first two sets, confidence and communication issues almost put a dampener on the whole match; the rebels won the third set with a commanding lead of 25-6, which shook the team’s foundation.
“One gal from Rocky served 19 points in a row,” stated Labrie.
Playing in the fourth set, the Rebels looked like they were going to force the match to go into a fifth as the Broncs trailed 21-24. A series of unforced errors on the Rebels’ part and a group of excited fans helped boost the Broncs to tie the game 24-24 before they defeated their opponents.
The fourth game set everyone on their toes.
“It was exciting for both teams. I mean one had to win…that pressure, that emotion, that tension. Both sides felt it. It’s a great experience for anybody,” added Labrie.
Senior girls recognize graduating players In their last home game of the regular season, the Broncs senior girls’ team took time before the start of their match, against the senior Rebels, to thank graduating players for hard work over the years.
Ranelle Muncaster, Zoe Cire, Danya Brachman and Erick Sieweke were given flowers and each took a moment to say something to the fans and their team. Also being honoured was Mackenzie Hatala, the team’s manager.
Coach Joely Churchill said they are a strong force for the team.
“They each have such an amazing dedication to the sport of volleyball which has helped them reach the level that they are at today. Not only have their skills developed to an exceptional level, but they have also evolved as selfless, respectful leaders,” she said.
With regard to game play, the Broncs defeated the Rebels senior girls’ team in three sets.
“We had a very tough, focused practice the night before where the girls worked really hard. We were able to translate that intensity into the match versus Rocky. It was a true team effort tonight,” Churchill explained.
The senior Broncs sit in the top three of the league and their last regular season game is Nov. 4, an away game against the Lacombe Rams, who are so far undefeated.
“Lacombe is going to be a fun match,” stated Churchill.