Submitted
Rimbey Junior/Senior High School has the best junior girls’ volleyball team in central Alberta.
The big win came in the CWAJHAA tournament in Delburne on Nov. 17. It was a thrilling end to their season that was filled with difficulties, disappointment and finally, an amazing win to be top dogs.
The season started with a solid team, with nine girls returning from last year, three first-year players, and second-year coach Katelyn Fesyck. Difficulty started early in the season when Coach Fesyck had to relinquish her duties under doctor’s orders as she is soon to give birth to a set of twins. Injury, illness and absenteeism resulted in inconsistencies throughout the year.
The first three tournaments of the year resulted in a third-, second- and first-place finish under the guidance assistant coach Sherilyn Semenyna. The league playoffs were next where they came second, losing to Lacombe Christian. At the qualifying tournament for the CWAJHAA, they came second again, losing in the final to Ponoka’s St. A Queens. Fortunately, the top two advanced into the final tournament.
At the final tournament, eight teams (two groups of four) were vying for the top spot. Rimbey went into the tournament missing four experienced players. As a result, Megan McFadden and Laura Lee, two players from Rimbey’s junior B volleyball team, were recruited to support the short bench.
Rimbey emerged from their division in round robin play undefeated with a record of 3-0. They played Ponoka St A Queens in the semi final game where they were again victorious. The final game came down to Rimbey against Lacombe Christian. Rimbey won the first set but in the second the tides turned in Lacombe’s favor and they took the second. Down 7-2 in the final set, Coach Semenyna called a crucial time out. She rallied the girls on the floor and upon their return, momentum swung their way and the girls fought their way to victory with a 15-8 win.
Thank you to the parents, grandparents, siblings and fans who supported the team throughout the year.