With so much riding on the outcome of the quarter-final match-ups at OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association) tournaments throughout the year, the frustration of being so very close to a podium finish can be a difficult pill to swallow.

The Northern Chill 15U – Blue Girls would have to settle for a share of fifth place last month in Scarborough after seeing a third and deciding set tilt against them in the round of eight. That tough afternoon draw was partially due to another tight loss, this one to start the day, as the Chill dropped a 20-25, 24-26 decision to Synergy Nitro from Scarborough.

An impressive win in their second pool game, this one opposite Barrie Elites Blue (25-7, 25-20) still left the Sudbury crew sitting in second place and forced to go toe to toe with the Titans Olympus from Etobicoke. A 25-15, 14-24, 15-17 setback was tougher to endure as the Chill moved over to a consolation affair, while the Titans advanced to claim bronze.

Thankfully, the locals were back on task in that final outing, stopping the Venom Cobras (York Region) 25-14, 25-10. “Although we had an OK day, we weren't able to capitalize on opportunities throughout the day,” noted head coach Joanna Castonguay. “We are starting to put some new skills into place, which is quite promising.”

“Grace Perrier had a great day serving, and demonstrated great improvement in her serve receive,” added Castonguay. “Alexa Gordon also had a very impressive day, serving, attacking, and displaying a much improved defensive understanding.”

Rounding out the 2018-2019 edition of the Northern Chill 15U – Blue team are Alexia Lemay-Evans, Brianne Perreault, Emma Coutu, Erin Wiseman, Haven Fournier, Mackenzie Selk, Rory Frantz and Sophie Gaffney.