Once again, the Greenhill boys volleyball team made its annual pilgrimage north to Edmonton, Canada to play in the Western Canadian Challenge, where they played some of the most exciting volleyball of the year.

At the home opener against Morinville High School, the Hornets played defensively-minded, error-free volleyball in front of hundreds of excited fans. Greenhill proved too much for the Prairie Wolves. They put on a defensive and offensive show, highlighted by several quick sets from Brian Dorber to Jared Scheib and Jeff Klein. 

Later that day, the Hornets played Miles Macdonell, the team that eventually won the tournament. Miles Macdonell put up a strong outside block, which stymied the Hornets’ offense. Greenhill played excellent defense once again, pushing Miles Mac until the very end; however, the Hornets could not close the gap after an early game run and lost the match, 25-27, 22-25.

Putting its first loss of the season behind them, Greenhill came out focused and ready to play on day two. They won both matches handily against Highwood and Glenmary.  Every player on the team made an impact on day two, from seniors to freshmen. 

Day three found the Hornets in the gold division with an early match against Paul Kane High School.  Paul Kane had eliminated the Hornets in the same gym only a few years before, so the Hornets expected a difficult battle; however, the Hornets got off to a quick start in both games, with tough serving and excellent defensive pressure from both Brian Dorber and Marshall Sosland.  The Blues could not keep pace with the Hornets in either game.  The Hornets defeated the Blues 25-14, 25-17.

To advance the Hornets would now play the Father Mercredi Trappers, which proved to be the most emotional game of the year.  The Trappers leapt out to an early lead, but the Hornets fought back, winning the game one 25-20.  In game two, the roles reversed, and the Trappers won, 21-25. 

As the final game got under way, both teams played their best volleyball.  The pace of the game was incredibly quick, with both teams making amazing digs to keep the ball in play, diving both on and off the court.  As in the first two games, the score was tight until the end, when the Trappers pulled away, winning 10-15.  The Hornets were disappointed at their loss, as was the coaching staff; however, their competitive spirit and desire to win lead them to play their best volleyball of the season. 

“A few different calls and a few fortunate plays-that was the difference for either team to win this match,” said Coach Holt.  “At any rate, we’re a better team having played here in Edmonton.”

Coach Nannie encouraged the boys afterward, saying, “Our conference is not Canada.  Our conference is the SPC.  We come here to play the best competition.”

Western Canadian Challenge website


Boys Volleyball Home Page