Both St. Martin de Porres Kodiaks volleyball squads brought back a bunch of precious metal from the Calgary Senior High Sports Athletic Association City Championships over the weekend.

 The boys team went into the finals ranked fourth but came home with the gold after upsetting the top ranked Father Lacombe Lancers in a five set thriller Saturday (November 18) afternoon.

Coach Edmund Crame says the Kodiaks got off to a slow start in the match and lost the first set 14 - 25. 

"We started flat in the first set, maybe just a little disorganized, a little nervous. Father Lacombe really handed it to us that first one, but we rallied back in the second and third."

The Kodiaks won 25-18 in the second and third set before losing 21-25 in the fourth set to set up an exciting finish. 

"We actually had a five point lead. We took control of the offense but Father Lacombe had a great crowd, their side of the stands were pretty full and it really gave them some life and they took us to 13 points before we finished it off at 15." explained Crame.  

Crame says it was a real team win.  "Whether the kids were on the bench or on the floor the energy was really positive, everybody was really putting the team's goals ahead.  We've come so far since the beginning of the season.  Between then and now is just night and day.  I think for me, I'm very proud to have coached a bunch of boys who were very committed, also really respectful, nice and very supportive of the girls team as well which has been awesome this year.  They've just been a pleasure to coach."

The Kodiak girls brought home the silver medal when they lost another thrilling five set match to the top ranked James Fowler Falcons.  Crame says another slow start hampered the team but they came back to really make a match of it before losing the final set 9 - 15.  

"They had to solve their two big middles.  The girls played well through the whole game, the energy was positive, it was loud.  They worked hard on defense and I think they had the advantage on offense.  I think they (James Fowler) just got in their heads a little for the last few points.  It was a super close game and fun to watch and we're very proud of them for making it that far."

The boy's team is on their way to the Provincial 3 "A" Tournament starting on Thursday in Strathmore, where they'll meet Louis St. Laurent from Edmonton at 3:00 pm. 

 

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