By: Neil Becker
SIX NATIONS — Once again I.L. Thomas are junior volleyball gold medal champions!
Putting their championship from last year on the line, I.L. Thomas went undefeated which was capped off by a 25-19 gold medal win against L.S.K. on Tuesday, November 12 at the Dajoh: Youth and Elders Centre.
Among those I.L. Thomas players proudly admiring his gold medal was Grade 6 student and athlete Drew Hill who had a simple explanation as to why his team did so well.
“Everyone was talking to each other and trying their best,” Hill said. “I like volleying it and spiking.”
Fans were treated to some clutch serving, and strong teamwork in what was a tense final which saw both teams tied up at 7-7, before I.L. Thomas got on a roll with eight straight points.
“It was really exciting, but it got stressful,” I.L. Thomas Grade 6 player Peyten Vyse-Hill said.
In terms of what they did well, she was quick to say, “serving and hitting it back.”
Meanwhile L.S.K. who also came into the finals undefeated showed some true tenacity as they grabbed some momentum with four straight points in making things interesting by closing the gap 15-11.
Continuing to roll, L.S.K. achieved seven of the next 10 points as they managed to make a statement by making it a brand-new game at 18-18.
With Junior Volleyball Gold up for grabs, I.L. Thomas revved up the offence by shooting five straight points which was a definite turning point as they sat on the edge of celebrating another championship.
”The biggest thing for me is that I like it when they work together,” I.L. Thomas co-coach Sara Kewayosh said. “That’s what I’m most proud of.” Kewayosh also went on to add, “We were good on serves. I think volleying saved us on a few plays.”
Finding themselves two points away from finishing second, L.S.K. got the next point to make it 23-19 before the defending champions closed things out with consecutive points before celebrating what was another junior volleyball gold.