The game is filled with superb athleticism – from coordinated blocks, to point-saving digs, to service aces, to earth-shattering kills.
And it provides fans with the type of action you will rarely witness in person.
Volleyball takes the spotlight in Oliver this weekend.
Southern Okanagan Secondary School will host the AA Boys Okanagan Valley High School Volleyball Championship.
Games will be played in both the SOSS and Oliver Elementary School gymnasiums Friday. The Southern Okanagan main gym will be the focal point of games during Saturday’s elimination round and playoffs.
The host Hornets won the right to host the Valley’s after beating the Princess Margaret Mustangs of Penticton last Wednesday.
A solid weekend of play could see SOSS heading to the Provincials in Langley in two weeks.
“We’ve worked hard all season to achieve consistency and be competitive in our zone first,” said head coach Steve Podmorow prior to Monday’s workout in the SOSS gym. “Maggie has always been a tough challenge for us. It’s been nice to have some success against them – and winning the opportunity to host is a nice honour. The kids are excited about it, and it’s nice for volleyball in our school.”
While Maggie has also proven to be a tough opponent for the Hornets, Podmorow says George Elliot Secondary School from Winfield is another team fans should watch for this weekend.
“They’ve been dominant all season. They are ranked fifth in the Province, and are a legitimate five,” insisted Podmorow, who is assisted on the bench by co-coach Lauren Ibaraki. “They have one big guy fans will definitely notice. I think he trained with the national team this summer. He’s big and he’s effective. They always have a good team, but this seems to be the year they are one of the teams to count in the mix.”
That mix being a top-three finish at Valley’s – which gives the school the right to move on to the Provincials.
“It’s very competitive this year, which makes it very interesting, because out of this tournament there’s three teams that will advance to the Provincials,” added Podmorow. “I think the No. 1 is pretty evident, but beyond that, it’s who’s ready to go. Hopefully we will be one of those teams.”
Podmorow has seen good things from the group as of late, and likes the players’ approach heading into Valley’s.
“We’re not a team build around any one player. Our middle attack is a big part of our offence. When we pass well, we can get the ball up, and Daelen Bontorin does a good job of putting the ball away when given the opportunity,” explained Podmorow, referring to his outside hitter. “But we’re built around defence. The setter is an important guy – so Tony Abellan has a lot of pressure on him. He likes football, and he’s a big Patriots fan, so the quarterback analogy is one that’s used a lot on him. But it’s going to take all of us to make it happen.”
So, what does the coach think? Do the Hornets have a chance of advancing through the weekend – and on to Provincials?
“We’re encouraged. Lauren and I have worked a lot with them around the idea of playing a calm-style of volleyball, not getting too rattled, and being able to work their way out of trouble,” he summarized. “They’ve also played some of their best volleyball the past couple of weeks. They’re playing more as a team, and that’s the only way we’re going to have success.”
It all gets underway Friday at 1:15 p.m., with the Hornets hitting the floor in their first match at 1:45 p.m. against Princess Margaret.
A win would have the Hornets return to the court for a Best of 5 Quarterfinal match at SOSS Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Games begin at 9:30 A.M. Saturday, with the Bronze final at 2:15 p.m. and the championship game at 4 p.m.
At stake – a trip to Langley for the Provincial Championships.
The SOSS Hornets Boys Volleyball team consists of coaches Steve Podmorow and Lauren Ibaraki, and players Ethan Williams, Josiah Somerville, William Kane, Tony Abellan, Tyson Marsel, Trevor Schori, Daelen Bontorin, Cobie Mackie and Devon Nemeth.
We wish the boys the best of luck this weekend.
-Dale Cory