Hosting seniors girls' 5A regional and provincial volleyball championships means a free pass, but the North Battleford Comprehensive High School team wants to march right through the front door and earn their spot at provincials.
On the weekend, NBCHS hosted a senior girls' tournament and the host team did a great job representing the school and proved the team will be a powerhouse this season.
NBCHS's coach, Sheila Gabert, said the first weekend of tournament action gave her a chance to get everyone some playing time and give the girls a solid learning experience as well as a chance to face some competitive teams.
Joining NBCHS at the two-day tournament were John Paul II, Prince Albert St. Mary's, La Loche, Cut Knife, Meadow Lake, Unity, Rivier, Medstead and Swift Current.
After the round robin play, the Vikings were in the top three in their pool with a 6-2 record and were re-pooled with the top teams. After three more games in the championship pool, the host team found themselves in fourth place and playing in the semi finals.
In the semi final, NBCHS went up against the first place Cut Knife team and beat them after a hard fought battle.
"We played very aggressive." Said Gabert. "We were really hitting and digging."
In the final, NBCHS went up against a veteran Swift Current team and lost the first set by two points and the second by four points.
Gabert was pleased with the second place finish especially since many of her rookies were playing the final.
Cut Knife took third place and La Loche ended the tournament in fourth.
This year's NBCHS team consists of six rookies, five of whom are Grade 10 players and five veterans and to this point of the season Gabert appears happy with the level her team is playing at.
After taking this weekend off, the girls will be back in action next weekend with a tournament in Prince Albert.
