There are times when there is definitely no logical flow to the wins and losses of a single day OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association).
Competing in Uxbridge a few weeks ago, the Northern Chill 16U Black Cyclones were beaten soundly in pool play by the Scorpions Dynamite from Cambridge, on the wrong end of a 16-25, 10-25 score-line; this after opening the day with a 25-22, 25-23 victory over the Unity Chaos from Woodbridge.
Facing the second place team in Pool B in quarter-final play, the Sudbury girls seemed to benefit from a favourable match-up, advancing to the final four thanks to a 25-23, 25-18 sweep of the Kingston Rock Sapphire. Meanwhile, the Scorpions Dynamite (C1) were bounced in the round of eight by the Leaside Firebolts, 20-25, 23-25.
(hold this thought for a moment)
When a three set loss to the Titans Athena from Scarborough (19-25, 25-9, 9-15) bumped the Black Cyclones down to a bronze medal matchup with Leaside (who lost to the Durham Rebels Blockade in their SF affair), the odds seemed stacked in favour of the GTA crew.
But after earning a split in the opening two sets (25-21, 22-25), the Northern Chill absolutely dominated the third set, a 15-2 beat-down of the Firebolts earning the Black Cyclones a second bronze medal to accompany the one they captured in McGregor Cup play in January.
Members of the local squad that would mount the podium in Bugarski Cup – Select C action were as follows: Josslyne Ouellette, Alexie Paquette, Caelyn Mahoney, Rebecca George, Sarah Crittenden, Macie Barlow, Mina-Emilly McCoshen, Harlym Triff, Marissa MacLean, Adelina Naghi, Cassidy Warren, head coach Carrie Welsh, assistant coach Tess Peterson and manager Jennifer Warren.