Here we go again.
The undefeated Holy Trinity Academy Knights and defending champion Foothills Falcons both advanced to the Foothills Athletic Council Senior Girls Volleyball Championship to add another chapter in the historic rivalry.
“That’s going to be a test, they are good,” said Falcons head coach Corey Cowper. “I think we’re ready for them. This has been building all year. I know the girls are excited about it.
“It’s going to be a very good final.”
The Knights, who have yet to taste defeat in league play, made quick work of the Country Central Hawks in a straight sets (25-16, 25-10, 25-15) in the semifinal tilt on Nov. 7.
The big hitters of the Knights’ varied attack would prove too much on the evening.
Annelise Hielema clinched the first set with a powerful kill while Kathleen Durrer closed out the match with consecutive service aces.
The team’s ability to freelance on broken plays was a major ace in its sleeve in the contest.
“They were able to pick up the more scrappy balls, the spontaneous balls,” said Knights head coach Crystal Anderson. “In the past we’ve had a bit of a slower reaction.”
Not taking the Hawks lightly was also crucial for the squad.
“We were able to keep our spirits up,” the coach added. “We’re very much a team that rises to the occasion and I was happy with our overall positivity and attitude. I know they find it challenging with some teams keeping that high energy.”
Across town, the Falcons got the better of the Strathcona-Tweedsmuir Spartans in an impressive straight sets triumph (25-18, 25-22, 25-20).
The result was a major improvement upon the regular season meeting between the squads that went the full five sets as the Spartans gave the Falcons all they could handle.
Foothills was covering the floor like a combine on harvest in the semifinal.
Several long rallies characterized the second set with defence leading to offence for the Falcons in taking the crucial set two by a narrow 25-22 margin.
“The kids have bought into our block defence system,” Cowper said. “I’ve asked them to modify depending on what opponent that we’re playing and they’re making those adjustments really quickly.
“They’re a great team and in a game like this it’s going to be the team that adjusts the quickest to other team that’s going to be successful.”
In the senior boys division, the championship match-up will be identical as the Knights put their perfect record on the line versus the perennial powerhouse Falcons. Both the boys and girls league championship games are scheduled for 7 p.m. starts on Nov. 9 at the Crescent Point Field House in Aldersyde.
For more information go to fac.teampages.com
