By Lisa Parent

NEW

17U Rattlers volleyball team headed south, ready to face-off against U.S. teams

Feb 13, 2024 | 4:50 PM

Practice as you play – that’s the mentality driving the 17U SEAVC Rattlers Gold volleyball team.

“The games should be easy, the practices should be when we do our hard work so that when we get into those situations in games, those stressful situations, we’re ready to go, and it’s not something that we haven’t seen before,” head coach Chris Cass said.

Lately, that training has taken centre stage as the team prepares for the 38th Annual Las Vegas Classic. This is a significant tournament in the U.S., where 10,000 female volleyball players will converge.

The SEAVC Rattlers stand out as one of the few Canadian teams participating in the upcoming tournament. A big draw for the team to go was seeing how they matchup against the American clubs.

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“Just getting to play a whole new different set of teams at volleyball, they’re all going to bring something different to the court and something we’ve never seen before,” said 16-year-old Rattler Jordis Barabe.

It’s a new challenge against unfamiliar teams, Hannah Ziebart said.

“Sometimes we try and find some of their film to watch it, to prepare, but most of these teams we’ve never faced before,” Ziebart said.

“A lot of them are probably much taller than we are. But I think that no matter what, we can do well and play our hardest,” she added.

This is the first time in about seven years any SEAVC team has made the trip south to Las Vegas.

For many of the girls, it’s an opportunity to spend quality time with their best friends.

“I didn’t even know most of these girls and they’re like sisters basically, already. They’re just so great, I love them,” player Anna Schick said.

Izzabella Drescher added: “These girls are welcoming and warming and just aren’t afraid to go up and talk to you. I’ve made amazing friendships with them and I’m so excited for the rest of the season.”

When they’re not playing, they want to enjoy their trip — checking out famous Las Vegas spots and watching a pro volleyball game.

Coach Cass sees it as a chance to create good memories for his team, much like the ones he treasures from his own volleyball days.

“I look back now, I don’t remember so much of the medals and the wins and the things like that, but I remember the times I spent with my teammates. That’s what I’m hoping that we can give these girls,” Cass said.

Competition starts Saturday and wraps up on Monday.