There may not be another sport with athletes more pumped up after every winning point.
The courts of Charles Hays Secondary School (CHSS) rang with cheers and jeers on Saturday afternoon as the Rainmakers’ senior boys volleyball team hosted single-A provincially-third ranked Centennial Christian School (CCS) and Queen Charlotte Secondary School (QCSS).
“Let’s go” and “free ball” were among the most common audible tones emanating from the team benches as the rival Saints and Seahawks posed a strong challenge for the Rainmakers.
But the only loss suffered by the home squad came in their last match against Centennial, a game in which the team may have been a little gassed, having played two earlier matches that same day.
After beating the QCSS Saints on Friday evening to open the play day, the Rainmakers’ service game and net presence were working in their favour as they defeated Centennial 19-25, 25-13, 15-9 to take the first game of the afternoon against their ranked opponents.
Then the Saints and CCS Seahawks squared off against each other, with the Seahawks taking that match 25-17, 25-7.
The ‘Makers then suited up for their second game against the Saints and took that decision, 25-21, 25-18.
“We played them last night and we kind of knew what we were up against,” said Rainmakers coach Stefan Delloch.
“I’m really glad [the Saints] were able to come over. They showed really well. They don’t get a chance to get off the island that much so I was really happy that they played.”
As for his own team’s showing, Delloch commended their agility and willingness to compete.
“I would say they were fairly aggressive at the net. When you’re tentative you can’t win so when we’re aggressive we play really well.”
The Seahawks took advantage of a tired Charles Hays group in the final match of the play day and earned a 25-17, 25-22 victory over the hosts.
“It went alright,” said Rainmakers team captain Kevin Rioux of the match against Queen Charlotte on Saturday.
“Our coverage could be better – our passing as well. We could communicate a lot more but we’ve had good aggressive plays like hitting good sets and good passes. We still probably need to work on it [for increased competition down the road] but our main goal right now is working hard.”
He also appreciated the fans.
“It’s really fun [to get games in against other schools]. Even if the season started late, it’s really good to have people come out and watch us in the stands,” he said.
The CHSS senior girls volleyball squad travelled to Hazelton over the weekend and went 1-2 while there. The team defeated Kitimat’s Mount Elizabeth Secondary School 25-16, 25-19, lost to Terrace’s Caledonia 15-25, 13-25 and fell to Smithers in three games; 25-21, 12-25, 5-15.
“Ashtyn Andreesen stepped up into the middle position and did well at the net,” said girls’ coach Jacqueline Jackson.
“Henzle Masocol continues to be a good motivator and setter. Tanveen Randhawa shows great leadership and is strong in the power position.”
Fans can follow the team on Twitter at their Twitter handle @chssvolleyball and on Facebook at Charles Hays Rainmakers Volleyball.
Zones will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at Charles Hays.