Winning six of eight sets in their very first OVA tournament of the year marked an awfully nice launch to 2025-2026 for the Northern Chill 13U (6v6) Ice Caps girls from Espanola. Because of the timing of their two setbacks, the squad that was competing in Provincial Cup – Trillium I play in North Bay had to settle for fifth place – but a 75% success rate is seldom something to sneeze at.

The string of victories started early for the Chill, sweeping past both the Orillia Sun Rays (25-20-25-17) and the North Bay Jr Lakers Waterfall (25-22, 25-16) in morning pool play.

The quarter-final matchup proved to be a tough one as the locals were unable to stem the rise of the Southern Shores Surge (Midland / Penetanguishene), the latter moving on to the final four thanks to a 25-17, 25-9 win over the Ice Caps.

Undaunted, the Northern Chill representatives bounced right back, ensuring that they would finish the event on a positive note, emerging triumphant over the Orillia Sun Rays, yet again, 25-18, 25-19.

“These girls played hard, supported each other and truly showed what it means to be a team, both on and off the court,” noted Ice Caps’ team manager Kara Bois.

That team includes: Harper Bax, Delilah Bourcier, Ava Ranni, Logan Burke, Shoni Chiblow Carpenter, Karleigh Kaboni, Lacey Peltier, Addison Polden, Ashtyn Shellekens, Alina Sloss, Gabrielle Timbers and head coach Connor Cyr, with Alina Sloss recognized as tournament MVP.