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Rebels beat rival to win home tournament

Bashaw’s volleyball senior boys gold-en against Bawlf
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Andrew Kneeland of the Rebels is able to pound this ball past the Forestburg block for a point in the first set of their tournament opening match Nov. 1.

It’s been a championship year for Bashaw Rebels volleyball — this time it was the senior boys capturing their home tournament title.

The Rebels edged their tough rivals, the Bawlf Wildcats, in straight sets 25-21 and 25-23 in the final on Nov. 2.

Head coach Jesse Viske said it was quite the weekend with the squad playing unreal volleyball.

“The boys covered all areas of the game in playing some of the best volleyball of their season during the semi and the final,” he stated.

”They were exciting to watch as a coach, and the fans were fully invested to show their support.”

Following the Rebels finishing first in their round robin pool — beating Forestburg, Alix and Ponoka’s St. Augustine — the hometown club would face the Livingstone Sabres from Pincher Creek.

“This was a game I looked forward to when I created the draw, having seen them play in the Senator Gershaw (Bow Island) tournament,” said Viske.

“I wanted the boys to build on their offence when playing against a blocker who stands at over six foot, six inches. This builds on their capacity to not only swing hard, but place the ball strategically.”

The Rebels were able to beat the blocking and attack from the Sabres, meaning they got a shot at Bawlf — who were the 1A Central league champions while the Rebels wound up in third.

“The boys showed their determination right out of the gate, playing a strong offence and defence,” noted Viske.

“It was a rewarding way to end our tournament season.”

Playoff road

This victory came on the heels of a silver medal finish at the Forestburg tournament on Oct. 25 and 26, where the club fell in a very close third set 16-14.

“Our focus now moves towards the zone playoffs, where we will try to seize our spot for provincials,” Viske stated.

The result of their opening playoff round match against Ryley, which was played Nov. 5, was not available at press time. The 1A boys provincial championship will run Nov. 21 to 23 in Bow Island.

“These boys are something for Bashaw to be proud of,” added Viske.

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Addison Vallet attacks the ball and the Forestburg block on this play at the net during their Nov. 1 match. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
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The blocks of Nate Golinowski and Korbyn Hewlett of the Rebels force the Forestburg spike high and long for another first set point in their match Nov. 1. Photos by Jordie Dwyer
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Rebels Drew Hillis powers the ball around the Forestburg block in the first set of this match Nov. 1. Photo by Jordie Dwyer
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Bashaw’s Hudson Miller manages to beat the block from Forestburg as Nate Golinowski backs him up during their opening game of the tournament Nov. 1.