If the result from the first big sporting event to go inside the new gym at Bashaw School is any indication, this year could be stunning for the Rebels teams.
On Sept. 16, the school hosted seven other area clubs in a senior boys volleyball tournament with the host squad coming up just a bit short, losing the final to a strong New Norway team.
“We have played well in our first two tournaments, showing our talent by beating numerous 3A schools,” said head coach Jesse Vikse of his 1A club.
“There is an exciting season ahead of us with a lot of leadership on the court and community support behind them. A team achieves success when the foundation is strong, and Bashaw has an outstanding support system.”
Bashaw captured top spot in their pool by winning all three round robin matches. That may seem like a cakewalk, but the Rebels didn’t have it that easy.
The first two matches saw the Rebels struggle at times, but earn wins over Hay Lakes (25-12, 25-18) and Forestburg (25-11, 25-20), but the last victory saw Bawlf take Bashaw to a hard-fought three set thriller.
Bashaw took the opening set 25-19, only to having Bawlf take advantage of a few defensive errors to win the middle set 27-25. However, the Rebels found their stride — going on a seven point run — to win the decisive set 15-9.
That pitted them against Sedgewick in the semi-finals, which saw the boys roll through in straight sets 25-14, 25-16.
In the final, the Rebels just didn’t seem to have all the answers for what New Norway sent their way and went down by respectable scores of 25-17, 25-20.
“The boys have shown a very strong offence with massive attacks to boost the team ahead. They have the desire to win, but more importantly, to improve,” Viske said.
That said, Viske added serving and passing is one of his focal points for improvement this season.
“These are critical in gaining momentum and maintaining it. You can’t get a kill without a pass and you can’t move forward without making your serve,” he stated.
Viske explained the athletes have also taken to heart what it means to being ones that set a high standard for the rest of the students and wanted to ensure the players know people are recognizing that effort as is the school as a whole.
Rebel rally - With the pre-season tournaments now out of the way, the senior boys and girls volleyball squads are into league play that began last week. The teams hosted Ryley last night (results unavailable at press time) in their first home match of the season. Next up, the Rebels will be at home to New Norway on Oct. 3 and then Forestburg Oct. 17 with the girls hitting the court first at 6 p.m. followed by the boys about an hour and a half later.
