On October 10, the Ucluelet Secondary School Boy's Senior Volleyball team started their 2014-2015 campaign competing in the Vancouver Island
University High School Open. Chatter had been surrounding an eager anticipation to the start of the new season.
The boys were looking to carry forward momentum brought on by the success of the 2013-2014 season, where they earned a berth to the Single 'A' provincial final, finishing a respectful 12th.
The Warriors started their tournament against Belmont Secondary School, a perennial volleyball powerhouse. From the onset, the Warriors competed hard. Solid positional play led to quality passes, which translated into effective offensive attacks.
Unfortunately, the Warriors fell in two straight games. The remainder of pool play saw the Warriors playing familiar foes in Woodlands and Parklands Secondary Schools,
losing both matches in hard fought straight sets.
Saturday bought the beginning of the playoffs and a match up with the Claremont Spartans. The Warriors, were strong from the start, led by effective hitting from Senior Middle Hitter Aubry Ludlow and punishing attacks from Power Hitter Mitch Saunderson, both registering multiple kills.
Sam Clarkson effectively distributed the ball, leading a multi-dimensional attack. With a second game win, the Warriors forced a decisive third set. In a 'nail bitter', the Warriors fell. Losing in a tough third set loss, finishing the tournament tied for 9th.
This year's team is comprised of Seniors Aubry Ludlow (Middle Hitter), Mitch Saunderson (Power Hitter), Sam Clarkson (Setter), Reid Appenhiemer (Middle Hitter), Junior Van Law (Offside Hitter) and Sophomore Jack Sandford (Power Hitter). Next, the Warriors are off to compete in the Georgia Strait Invitational at Oak Bay.