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Bashaw Rebels host first volleyball tournament in new gym

Five teams converge on Bashaw for the tournament
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Members of the Bashaw Rebels senior girls’ team watch on with trepidation as a player makes an important pass Nov. 4 during a game against Forestburg. This was the Rebels first tournament in the new gym. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

The Bashaw Rebels senior girls volleyball team had a blast hosting their first tournament in the new gym.

While the team didn’t win the tournament, it was a fun tourney, explained coach Al Middleton.

Overall the Rebels had several losses to teams including New Norway, Alix and Viking but the team’s match against Forestburg brought a solid two-set win.

“They actually talked to each other,” explained Middleton of the match. “They actually passed the ball and they served the ball way better than they have in the last three round robin games,” explained Middleton.

When the team’s communication goes well, the passing seems to come with that, he added. Where the team has struggled this past season is if the communication falters.

As for the season, Middleton explained that the team had some issues where the lack of communication seemed to bring a spiral or dip in the scores for the Rebels. While the season is all done for the team, Middleton feels he has a strong setup for next season.

There are five players graduating this year: Sydney Hunter, Mickey Jaffray, Quinn Kisling, Jaycee Dawbin and Jayme Mead.

“I’m hoping we gain at least four or five gals to fill those spots,” said Middleton. “But we keep our big (Grade 10) hitter Taylor (Fuller).”

For Middleton each year brings a different set of challenges. He called it a trade off. Sometimes the team trades off height for speed or the other way around.

The Rebels opted for a five-team tournament to allow for a bigger space to play. The other option was to have two courts going at once but Middleton enjoyed having a bigger court space. “We enjoy the fact that we have this brand new school,” said Middleton.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to do lots more because in the past we haven’t hosted lots of tournaments.”

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Rebels’ Taylor Fuller is in her element as she makes a big hit against Forestburg. The Rebels hosted their first big tournament at the new school gym with much success. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye