The St. Augustine Queens volleyball team came close to a second title run at provincials during zone finals last weekend but they had to be content with the runner-up position.
The final match against the Central Alberta Christian High School (CACHS) proved to be their toughest game of the weekend with scores of 15-25, 25-21 and an extremely close third set of 13-15.
Coach Darren Josephison said in recent years CACHS has been the team to beat. “We beat them last year in the final and they beat us this year in the final.”
He says every game they played at zones was close, but the Queens’ experience at provincials helped secure a spot in the finals game. Actually, the first match of the weekend was against CACHS where the Queens ended with a win.
After losing the first set and then being down in the second, Josephison said the Queens woke up and fought for every point.
“At some point they decided we’re not going to give up the title that easily,” he explained.
In the last six years he has coached the Queens, the team has always earned a medal. This year CACHS was able to earn themselves a chance to win at provincials. The rivalry between the two teams is quite sportsman-like, says Josephison.
After the match, CACHS parents and coaches praised the Queens for their effort. “They were very complimentary to our girls,” said the coach.
The Queens have four graduating players this year.