Returning a solid core of players along with a few welcomed additions, the Northern Chill U-18 Girls Volleyball team recently enjoyed the learning experience that comes with an early season tournament.

Taking part in the Humber College Invitational in Etobicoke, the Chill may not have received the game results for which they had hoped, but still left a much better team than when they arrived.

With early season jitters and rusty play setting the course, the Chill succumbed in straight sets to the Burlington Blaze in their opening match, 16-25, 18-25.

The potential of what might lie ahead began to shine through in game two as the locals split with the always tough Scarborough Titans, winning 25-18 before falling 11-25 in set two.

The Chill were relegated to the consolation side of the draw after losing their third match of pool play, 19-25 and 16-25 to the Leaside Lightning.

Facing the Ganaraska Wolves, the northern gals took it on the chin in the opening set, soundly defeated 15-25. But the squad regrouped, taking set two 29-27 before eventually being sent to the showers following a 12-15 third set loss.

"Our focus for the weekend was not results-based, but rather in beginning to implement the defensive culture that we want to be the foundation of our play this season," noted head coach Michael Margarit. "I was pleased with the first steps we have taken in the creation of that culture."

"We were forced to deal with some adversity early in the competition due to injury, however our athletes showed maturity in overcoming that," Margarit added.

The team has a familiar look this year, with seven returning players. However, the make-up of this team changed noticeably with the addition of the North Bay tandem of Megan Buckle (right side) and Natalie Dupuis (libero/setter).

The girls are travelling from North Bay to Sudbury, three times a week, for practice sessions, demonstrating a very contagious dedication and commitment to the sport.

“When Nat and I thought about trying out for Chill, we were really excited because we knew a lot of the girls from playing with them on the regional volleyball team - we knew that it was going to be a very strong team," Buckle said.

"It was nerve-wracking, at times, but its refreshing to have a group of girls that want to play volleyball all the time and improve all of their skills together,” she added.

The 18U girls will take to the court again in tournament play when the OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association) season opens on December 10th with the beginning of Provincial Cup action.