Lions and Wolves unite for school pride

Sr. Boys member Matt Derocher leads his team through the banner during opening ceremonies. – Stephen Dafoe Photos

by Stephen Dafoe

One of Canada’s largest high school volleyball tournaments kicked off its 20th year Thursday. The Lions Western Canadian Challenge brings 48 teams to Morinville for three days of competition.

After a pep rally and ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the school’s new gymnasium, the Senior Boys and Girls opened the tournament against Ernest Manning High School of Calgary.

In the tournament opener, the MCHS Sr. Girls took both sets by a decent margin to earn the win 25-18 / 25-15. The Sr. Boys took on their Ernest Manning counterparts in a close fought battle throughout three sets. The boys won their opening set 25-22, but fell 23-25 in the second. The third and deciding set was won by MCHS 15-10.

Both Boys and Girls teams continue pool play Thursday and Friday. Tournament finals will take place Saturday, with the Boys final being played at MCHS Saturday at 8p.m. The Ladies’ final will be at St. Albert Catholic High School at the same time.

Below are some photos from the opening day

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Hailey Cornelis drives the ball over the net for the Wolves.

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Sydney Herrick moves in to intercept.

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Branden Arbour readies for the ball

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Enthusiastic supporters.

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Ross Hodgins of RV City and Frontier Honda and Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Superintendent David Keohane do a ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the new MCHS gymnasium. Hodgins family donated $42,500 for new bleachers.The bleachers carry the orange and blue school colours and spell out MCHS.

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