The Vanier Towhees junior boys volleyball team is on the right track to playing their best ball when they host the Island championships on Nov. 18-19.
"We have played in four tournaments so far and have steadily improved in each one," said coach Brian Stevens. "Three out of the last four tournaments we have placed third – losing in the semifinals in three sets 15-13 all three times," Stevens noted.
"Each time we play we get progressively better. Although we have only eight players on our team, they are eight very committed athletes with a passion for playing and getting better.
Last weekend at Dover Bay (Nanaimo) the Towhees had three players recognized for their outstanding play – Alex Kussauer, Sam Kussauer, and Brayden Brouwer. Brouwer, a Grade 9 player, was named tournament MVP.
First-year players Jerram Gawley, Foster DeWitt, Blair Schmelz, Sean McGinnis and Reese Myerhoff are all good athletes with a desire to improve and have done extremely well over the past two months. Returning players: Alex, Sam and Brayden, have done a great job as leaders and have taken their game to the next level.
"It is truly exciting to watch the guys play and see their hard-work and dedication pay off," Stevens said. "Both Dave (assistant coach Miller) and I recognize that they have a passion to get better. We push them each practice and expect them to play sound, disciplined volleyball."
Vanier hostis the Junior Boys Volleyball Island Championships on Nov. 18-19. Game times and teams participating will depend on rankings from the North Islands this past weekend at Mark R. Isfeld.
– Vanier Towhees volleyball