Press Release
St. Francis School is very proud of the excellent play of both its Grade 8 girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams.
The girls’ squad, after winning tournaments earlier this year in Atikokan and at J.W. Walker School, made it three-for-three by capturing the regional championship held Nov. 27 at Fort Frances High School.
The female Sentinels, who never lost a match all season while dropping just two sets in the process, steamrolled the competition at the regionals en route to a perfect 5-0 record and winning all seven sets they played.
St. Francis capped the day by sweeping the Riverview Royals 2-0 in the best-of-three final.
The girls’ undefeated run at the regionals was due, in large part, to strong play in all phases of the game.
St. Francis was led by strong, consistent serving from Madyson Weir, Sierra Cousineau, and Abbi Perrault; effective net play from Cassandra Moffitt, Carly Taggart, Anika Alexander, and Grade 7 call-up Claire Hyatt; and solid defensive play from Madisyn DeGagne, Shanleigh Fryer, and Taylor DeGagne.
Another defensive ace this year, Alexis Perreault, was sidelined by injury for the regionals, but provided an endless supply of moral support from the bench all day.
The boys’ squad, meanwhile, also was looking to go three-for-three in tournament play this year, having already captured gold in Atikokan and Devlin.
The male Sentinels beat the Mine Centre Thunderbirds and Robert Moore Mustangs, but lost to the J.W. Walker Wildcats, to finish in a three-way tie for first in their pool with the Mustangs and Wildcats at the boys’ portion of the tourney, which was shuffled from the high school to J.W. Walker.
With only the top two teams advancing, the tie finally was broken based on least points allowed, with St. Francis finishing first (57), Robert Moore second (66), and J.W. Walker third (68).
The Sentinels then swept the Crossroads Tornados 2-0 in the best-of-three semi-finals before falling to Riverview 2-0 in the final.
The team played well all day despite the absence of star server Carter Brown.
Connor Bujold, Dane Blais, Ben Whitburn, and Jacob Bolzan provided steady play from the setter position while Kobe Gardiman and Shawn Brady brought an impressive power game at the net to the table.
Matthew Berube, who missed the first two tournaments of the year with a collarbone injury, did well despite his lack of playing time this year.
Grade 7 call-up Jarred Taylor, Cam Jolicoeur, and Sam Tibbs also provided solid depth to the lineup.
Both teams are to be commended for their hard work and dedication in giving up time after school and on weekends to participate.
