The Moose Jaw High School Volleyball season began the way last season ended — with a thrilling five-set game.
Only this time the Central girls came out on top.
Central and Vanier got the season started in fine style Wednesday as the Cyclones beat the Spirits 23-25, 25-14, 25-18, 16-25, 26-24.
“I would way rather have that than win or lose in three (sets),” said Central coach Brad Hennenfent. “We had to battle. We had to go through a whole bunch of stuff. We had to change things throughout the game. The kids had to learn some different things. That’s fun because the kids have to think.
“We’re asking a lot of things from some young kids.”
In other senior girls volleyball action Avonlea beat Riverview/Cornerstone in three straight games 25-16, 25-17, 27-25.
In senior boys play Central beat Vanier 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-17) and Riverview/Cornerstone beat Avonlea 3-1 (25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-22).
While both Central and Vanier were definitely in early season mode for stretches, there were also some stretches of very good volleyball from both teams.
“A win against Central would have been nice. I don’t think it’s happened in quite some time, but the girls battled back and that was good to see,” said Vanier coach Rick Bell.
Central led the fifth set nearly the whole way. The Cyclones looked to be in control when they led 24-20, but Vanier once again rallied and tied the game at 24 before Central scored two straight points to finish it off.
“Vanier played some good games. They dug some great balls. It was a fun match,” said Hennenfent. “We enjoyed the match and the big thing was that it was a big learning match. It was nice to win that one, that way. So many times you’re in that match and you lose it.”
For more please see Thursday’s Times-Herald.
