After putting together solid performances in the Moose Jaw high school girls volleyball league playoffs, it stood to reason the Central Cyclones and Vanier Spirits would have a bit of momentum on their side heading into their 4A regional tournaments this weekend.
As it turns out, that was exactly the case -- and now both teams will be in action at provincials in Nipawin this coming weekend.
The Cyclones emerged as the second seed out of the regional playdown in Lumsden, reaching the championship final before falling 25-18, 25-19 to the tournament hosts. That win came after Central had to deal with the most familiar of opponents in the semifinal, emerging victorious out of an epic 21-25, 25-19, 15-13 battle with Vanier.
Central had put together a 1-1 record in the round robin, winning 25-14, 25-5 over Yorkton Sacred Heart and falling 25-10, 25-18 to Lumsden.
Vanier had a busier run with an extra team in their pool, but were perfect in the round robin, winning 25-15, 25-16 over Regina Scott, 25-17, 25-14 over Notre Dame and 25-17, 25-22 over Melville.
The loss to Central knocked the Spirits to the third-place game and the final provincial qualifying spot, where they’d advance past Notre Dame.
The news wasn’t quite as good for the two local teams hosting regionals.
The reigning city champion Peacock Toilers went 0-2 in their 5A girls regional pool, losing a tough battle 25-23, 23-25, 16-14 to Estevan in their opener before dropping a 25-20, 25-14 decision to Balgonie. That sent the Toilers to the quarter-final, where they fell 25-17, 25-22 to Swift Current to see their season come to an end.
As it turns out, all three teams Peacock faced will be advancing to provincials, as Balgonie defeated Estevan in the regional final and Swift Current downed Weyburn to earn the third spot.
The Cornerstone Christian School Falcons were unable to advance out of their pool in the 2A girls regional at Cornerstone, falling 26-24, 16-25, 15-9 to LCBI and 25-14, 25-21 to Langham.
Davidson defeated Langham in the regional final, sending both teams to provincials.
At the 5A boys regional championship in Swift Current, the Peacock Toilers were unable to find the win column, falling 25-17, 24-26, 15-6 to Yorkton Regional and 25-16, 25-16 to Estevan in the round robin. The Toilers quarter-final game saw the local squad drop a 25-13, 25-14 decision to Weyburn. Swift Current, Weyburn and Estevan all advance to provincials next weekend.
