Trojans Roll Past Ghosts in Quarter Final

Jonas Emilsson
www.krammag.com

The hot streak continues.

The No. 1 ranked William Aberhart Trojans senior girls volleyball team haven’t lost a regular season match since last year’s city final against the Western Canada Redmen, a loss that was made less painful a few days later when they captured the provincial title.

This season they put together their second straight 10-0 record heading into the playoffs, which began Tuesday evening against the No. 4 ranked Bishop Grandin Ghosts.

Thanks to an quick start courtesy of some clutch serving by middle hitter Ella Valge-Saar and some strong net play by their front lines the Trojans came away with a 3-0 (25-9, 25-14, 25-6) victory to earn the right to play in Thursday night’s semi-final action.

Valge-Saar’s reeled off seven straight points off her serving game to set tone for the Trojans.

The veteran-laden Trojan squad took advantage of their size on both ends of the net, getting huge kills from outside hitter Carly Hamilton and intimidating blocking by their entire front line throughout the three sets.

“Our girls did pretty well considering we have eight grade-11s,” said Ghosts’ coach Marc Osenton. “Aberhart is strong and they have a lot of strong veteran players. I’m pleased with how our girls played and this gives us a taste of where we need to be next year.”

The Ghosts did have a few moments of success in the match, but every time they threatened to put together a rally the experienced Trojans found a way to regain the momentum.

“The girls that were swinging were swinging well,” said Trojans’ head coach Kelly Lloyd about the Ghosts’ efforts. “But it’s tough when you have a block on the very first hit, it gets into your head.”

As good as their net play was, it was the Trojans powerful and consistent serving game that made the difference in the end.

“We missed a few, but really we didn’t give up a lot of points on the serve,” said Lloyd.

Tuesday’s quarter-final match was also the first time in a long time that the Trojans were able to field a full roster after having suffered through injuries and illness throughout the regular season.

On a few occasions they were only able to field six players, but thanks to their incredible depth, no serious damage was done.

“This is our first game with all of our players back so it was nice to see everyone come out and contribute,” said Lloyd. “We’ve rounded that corner and now we’re focused on the next thing.”

“Our girls were focused and having everybody back gave everyone confidence and they seemed relaxed, but very determined right from the very first point.”

The Trojans now move on to face the No. 2 ranked Centennial Coyotes on Thursday night at William Aberhart High School. The Coyotes barely squeaked by the No. 3 ranked St. Mary’s Saints 3-2 in their quarter final match.

More senior Girls’ Div I action:

No. 2 St. Francis were upset by No. 3 ranked, and defending city champs Western Canada Redmen 3-0.

The other No. 1 ranked teams E.P. Scarlett Lancers just beat out the feisty Sir Winston Churchill Bulldogs 3-2.

The Lancers will face the Redmen in the other Div I semi-final on Thursday at E.P. Scarlett High School.

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