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Lethbridge teams win zone volleyball titles at Medicine Hat High

Nov 19, 2017 | 7:53 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Still a couple of days away until Medicine Hat High School plays host to high school volleyball provincials, but fans got an appetizer over the weekend with south zone finals.

In the boys division final, it was an all-Lethbridge meeting between the Catholic Central High Cougars and the Chinook High Coyotes.

Catholic Central controlled the match from the opening set, rolling to a 3-0 shutout victory over the Coyotes to claim the 2017 zone championship.

It’s the second straight zone title for the Cougars, who will return to Medicine Hat later in the week for provincials.

Cougars senior Quinn Buchanan said it’s a great feeling getting to represent Lethbridge once again on the provincial stage.

“It’s a pretty special thing,” said Buchanan. “I mean, we were able to do it last year. To repeat it’s a cool thing with all these guys, to be able to come down here and win all the games, it’s pretty cool.”

Meanwhile in the girls final, the same Cougars and Coyotes teams battled with a spot at provincials on the line.

This time, it was Chinook High getting the upper hand to win the south zone title over Catholic Central.

Chinook rattled off three straight set victories to earn the 3-0 win over the Cougars, and will also be returning to provincials for a second straight year.

Grade 12 student Sophia Makela said the win was made even more special with this being her final year of high school volleyball.

“Last year we did it, and so we really wanted to make sure we do it again this year,” said Makela. “Especially us seniors, we wanted to have that one extra weekend of enjoying the game that we love to play. And especially with these girls, can’t go wrong with another week.”

Coyotes senior Quinn Cox added their experience playing at zones in Medicine Hat will hopefully translate over to success at provincials.

“Having a feel of the court really, really helps,” said Cox. “Not having to go into a new atmosphere is awesome. So, having to play here and get to know our surroundings is great, it’s a great advantage.”

Both the Mohawks and Kwahommies were knocked out in the playoff stages, but have already booked spots at provincials due to being the host teams.

Provincials begin on Thursday morning at Medicine Hat High School with the opening ceremonies, followed by the first slate of games in the afternoon.