After a long wait since our last tournament, we were ready and excited to play our final 17U tournament before provincials in Scarborough, Toronto.  We went up the night before and for the first time all season, didn't have to play the first match. We were excited to sleep in the next morning and enthusiastic about dominating the next day.

Come tournament morning, everyone was very well rested and ready to go.  We made our way to the gym to play a team we were unfamiliar with: Burlington Blaze, Fire and Fury.  We must have been a little over-confident looking at their ranking because we started off slow, digging ourselves a hole of 5 points.  Luckily we picked it up to win the first game 25-18. The next game was a lot better on our part and we won 25-21 for a good start to the morning.

Without a break, our next opponents were to be Element.  Up against them for the third time, we were determined to beat them. The main goal of the tournament was to give Element a worthy opponent. Not only did we do that, but we took the first set from them with great serves and awesome passing - getting out in front 15-3 and finishing up 25-13. They came alive in the second set beating us only by three points 22-25. We were determined in the third set to really try to beat them, but unfortunately we came up short losing the match 11-15.  It was a great team effort and really gave us some confidence.

Next was the cross-over match our third in a row without a break. This match against the Stingers would assure us a spot in top 8. Although we were playing sluggishly, we pulled out a win with the first game 25-20 and second 25-23.

On to our fourth consecutive match without a break.  Quarter-finals against Defensa. We were really excited to play them for the first time this season, but at the same time, I think the lack of rest was getting to most of us. We fought hard against them with the lead going back and fourth between us but it wasn’t enough. Defensa won 21-25 in both games.

Our final match for fifth place was against the Barrie Elites. We were well-rested and replenished after our first real break of the day, getting some food in us and some fresh air.  We struggled a bit in the beginning but then pulled out a win in the first game. The second game went a bit more smoothly although the lead was passed around.  Fortunately, we pulled out a win in two games and were ready to go home.

Thanks to the coaches for their words of wisdom. It was a great team effort all weekend. Next stop, provincials!