The NBCHS Vikings senior girls, pictured here following their second-place finish at regionals. (submitted photo/Paul Sarsons)

By Martin Martinson

P.A. Bound

NBCHS Vikings senior girls advance to 5A provincials

Nov 14, 2023 | 12:03 PM

The North Battleford Comprehensive High School (NBCHS) Vikings’ senior girls volleyball team took home a second-place finish at regionals over the weekend in Lloydminster, to punch their ticket to 5A provincials Nov. 17-18 in Prince Albert.

Entering regionals as the fourth-ranked team, the Vikings opened with a three-set victory over second-seeded Warman High School, before taking their lone loss to top-ranked P.A. St. Mary in their second.

A veteran team, with eight Grade 12s, four Grade 11s, and just a single Grade 10, the Vikings again showed their savvy with a quick bounce-back from there, taking home a straight-sets victory over P.A. Carlton (25-15; 25-15), and then topping the hosts from Lloyd in their final game of the tournament, to finish 3-1 and advance to the provincial stage.

Head coach Paul Sarsons said it was by all accounts a team effort that led to their success.

“In every rally, there was somebody who stepped up to the plate to do something with the ball that made it easier for their teammates,” he said. “Everybody worked together and worked as one cohesive unit, so when one person faltered there were five others there to support, and they were there for each other all weekend.”

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In addition to their supportive play style, the coach also credited their ability on the serve with setting the tone for the team’s success.

“Our serving was incredibly effective all weekend at putting the other teams out of [their] systems,” Sarsons said. “The other team couldn’t get a good pass on it, their setter couldn’t set a ball without having to move quite a ways… and that’s what helped us all weekend is that the opponent never was in a comfortable situation.”

The Vikings’ success now marks their return to provincials for the team after missing last year. The team finished with provincial bronze two seasons ago.

The Vikings senior girls will open provincials in Prince Albert Friday afternoon at 1 p.m. against Regina LeBoldus. All games will be streamed on the SHSAA website.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

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