Junior Lakers best in the valley
All hail the Pen High junior Lakers.
The girls volleyball team, guided by coach Paul Mend, defended its territory for a second season. Falling to the purple and yellow were the Fulton Lady Maroons 25-18, 25-11 during the Okanagan Valley championship. The Lakers reached the final after defeating the Kelowna Secondary School Owls 13-25, 25-21 and 15-6. The first-set loss was their only defeat during the tournament.
With his team heading to provincials this weekend hosted by Seaquam (Delta) and Earl Marriott (White Rock), Mend is confident about what his group can accomplish.
“I would think we have a legitimate shot at fourth or better,” said Mend, whose team went 36-1 on the season. “This season has been impeccable and the kids have a high volleyball IQ.”
Enjoying solid performances were Adra Greig, Katie Delorme, Jamie Craig, Cassie Keir, Janna Clarke, Dani Pratt, Gabby Levesque, Keirsten Mend and Carissa Kocsis. Craig and Delorme were named as first team all-stars and Mend was honoured with tournament MVP. During the valleys, the Lakers also defeated South Kamloops, Kelowna Christian and Kalamalka.
Senior girls
It took the Owls five sets to become Okanagan Valley champions against the host Pen High Lakers. However, the crucial match during the championship for the Lakers took place in the semi-finals against the Mt. Boucherie Bears. The Bears put up a fight, but were put down by the Lakers in four sets 25-21, 26-24, 26-28, 25-22.
“It was good that they pushed us,” said Lakers coach Andy Botero of the Bears, who didn’t beat the Lakers all season. “You have to have the sense to earn something.”
By winning that match, the Lakers earned a trip to Prince George for the AAAA provincials.
Against the Owls, the No. 2 ranked team won the first set 25-16, the Lakers rebounded in the second winning 25-23. KSS took the third 25-17, while the Lakers won the fourth 25-21. Then things unraveled for the Lakers during a 15-7 loss.
“For whatever reason, we didn’t play well,” said Botero. “It was nice to push that team. It gives the players confidence going to Prince George.”
Botero has confidence because he knows if his group plays to their potential, they can beat anyone.
“Anything is possible if you play hard with confidence,” he added.
With provincials two weeks away, it gives ample time for Botero to work on his players’ mental game. He said at this point in the year, skill is not the main factor.
“Games are lost on the mental side,” added Botero.
Senior boys
Robert Gunning’s squad advanced to the provincials held in Kelowna, but not the way they wanted.
The Lakers were defeated by the Bears 20-25, 19-25, 25-19 and 22-25 on Friday. The Bears then defeated Kelowna in the final.
“Our third place finish has us seeded 12th in the provincials in a pool with Gladstone, Oak Bay, and
GP Vanier,” said Gunning. “Any team that gets hot at the B.C.’s will do very well. I certainly feel that we can get inside the top-10 if we play well.”
Taylor Eschleman and Carson Berry led the Lakers with eight kills followed by Nigel Rahkola’s seven. Eschleman also led the team with six stuff blocks while Berry delivered two aces.
Junior boys
The Lakers coached by Scott Harkness finished second during the Okanagan Valley championship in Winfield. The Lakers lost to Fulton, but still earned a trip to provincials in Burnaby this weekend. The Lakers finished 2-1 during round-robin action and beat Rutland to advance to the semi-final round. In the semi-finals, they defeated Pleasant Valley, who defeated the Lakers in round robin.
Lakers setter Suzanna Campbell shouts with joy as she rushes to celebrate with Kylaina Afonso and Kaycie Lefranc during their semi-final match against Mt. Boucherie Saturday. Winning that round of the valley championships gave the girls a lock on one of the two berths available in the provincial championships Dec. 3-5 in Prince George.
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