The Northern Chill 15U Girls appear to be picking up steam at just the right time. After finishing third and fifth in a pair of tournaments the past few months, the Chill played undoubtedly their best volleyball of the year in claiming gold last Saturday in Barrie.
The team cruised through their Pool “C” competition with relative ease, stopping both the Peel Selects 14U team (25-8, 25-10) as well as the North Bay Lakers (25-15, 25-14). On to a matchup with the tough Georgian Cubs, as the locals prevailed in three sets, 25-23, 24-26, 15-5.
“We played our best match of the year against the Georgian Cubs,” said Chill head coach James Schweyer. “We were able to pass their tough serves and recycle their attack. Erika Brown served well at the end of game one to solidify the win.”
The hard fought victory provided a clear lift to the Chill, who booked their spot in the championship final with a 25-17, 25-21 sweep of the Orillia Suns Gravity.
With a berth in OVA “Championship Flight” now clearly in sight, the Sudbury representatives were not about to let up, upending the ACTS Elites from Orangeville 25-16, 17-25, 15-12.
“The coaching staff had stressed the importance of being ready to move before the play,” said Schweyer. “Ayla Jones, in particular, did a fantastic job of keeping her feet moving. Her intensity was great to see.”
The balance of the 2016-17 Northern Chill 15U roster is made up of Lauren Jeanneault, Amelina Iturregui, Katie Staffen, Emma Squires, Hailey Selk, Emma Bissonnette, Amber Jacques, Brielle Chicoine, Katia Legros and Symantha Welsh. Joining Schweyer on the team coaching staff are Nathan Squires and Sheldon Root.
