Carihi Senior Girls team had a very successful weekend placing fourth in the 21-team Camosun tournament.
Carihi, ranked 19th of 21 teams, surprised the competition winning in straight sets against Spectrum and Stelly’s of Victoria during pool play Friday night.
On Saturday morning, the girls matched up against No. 5 ranked Belmont. The Tyees stormed out of the gate Saturday morning defeating Belmont in straight sets 25-9, 25-20 in their first play off match. The team was led by the solid setting of Claire McLoughlin and tough aggressive hitting of Claudia Freudiger and Hannah Brown.
Next Carihi met No. 6 ranked Mt. Doug in the quarter finals. Carihi fell behind in the first set and it looked like Mt. Doug was going to roll over Carihi, but the team fought back and staged a seven-point comeback to win the set 25-23. A surprised Mt. Doug couldn’t regroup fast enough and Carihi took the second set 25-19.
In the semi-finals, Carihi faced a solid team from Lambrick Park who played incredible defence. The girls battled in set one, losing 24-26. Lambrick Park took control of the second set, winning in convincing fashion 25-14.
Undeterred, the girls faced Oak Bay in the bronze medal match and played well, but struggled with getting kills. They were missing two of their big front row players this weekend and really felt it in that final match. They had some great rallies, but just fell short losing 22-25, 19-25.
“We were very happy with our results this weekend,” said coach Jacquie Chase. “This team of girls may not have the playing experience of some of the other teams, but their strength is that they are smart, athletic and positive. They don’t get upset when things get tough, they keep working as a team-- there is never a negative comment between players. These girls are a pleasure to coach and be around and they keep improving.”
Timberline was also at the tournament, they placed fifth. Both teams are back in action next weekend at the Brentwood Invitational.