Despite having their final regular season tournament cancelled due to weather, the Huntsville High School Senior Girls Volleyball team showed no signs of rust during the Muskoka Parry Sound championships last week, winning both of their matches to advance to the Georgian Bay regional finals at home this Thursday.
In the first semifinal of the day, the girls faced off against rival BMLSS, while Parry Sound took on top-seeded Almaguin. Using a combination of teamwork, defensive dominance, and offensive strength, the Hoyas beat the Lakers in three sets (25-21, 25-23, and 25-14) to move on to the finals against an Almaguin squad that had yet to lose a game this season.
“The entire team played exceptionally well, and for me it was so nice to sit and watch them play,” said coach Joanne Nichols. “All of our strengths came together to give us a spot in the final.”
Back row: Sydney Nichols (Assistant Coach), Amber Maw, Emily Phinney, Khylie Brown, Hannah Cartwright, Emily Kerr, Hailley McConnell, Joanne Nichols (Coach), Deb Austin (Coach)
Front row: Andrea Alldred, Alexis Berry, Taylor Smith, Phylicia Earl, Ginny Bjorkquist
Undeterred by facing an experienced and highly confident Almaguin roster that had cruised through their entire season undefeated, the Hoyas found another gear to their game to shock their opponents in winning the opening two sets of the match, 25-16 and 25-20. With their backs against the wall, the Highlanders responded to take the third set against Huntsville 25-15, stealing back some of the early momentum the Hoyas had been building.
Rather than allow their opponents to even the game 2-2, however, HHS showed true determination and grit to win the fourth set by a narrow 25-23 margin, ending the Highlanders’s season and advancing to the GBSSA finals. Emily Kerr was impressive in her attack both front court and back court, while her exceptional serving gave the Hoyas several important points and the confidence to win the match. Additionally, great blocking from Alexis Berry and Taylor Smith helped Huntsville hold their lead against a late surge from Almaguin.
“Our defensive play was effective, which allowed us to set up and do what we do best, and that is our offensive strength,” said Nichols.
Congratulations to the Hoyas players and coaches, and best of luck in the GBSSA finals on Thursday.
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