NPSS Grizzlies Update: Senior girls volleyball team competes in provincials

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The North Peace Secondary School (NPSS) Grizzlies senior girls volleyball team travelled to Delta to compete in the AAAA Provincial Championship from November 28th to December 2nd. 

The senior girls entered the tournament ranked 15th out of 16 teams based on their performance last year.

On the first day of the tournament, the girls finished 2-1 in pool play, losing a tight match against Burnaby Central Secondary School. 

Placing second in Pool D, they faced South Delta Secondary School the next day in a hard match that resulted in a loss and a move to the consolation side of the tournament.

In their next game, the senior girls demonstrated grit and determination, which paid off in the form of a two-set win against Handsworth Secondary School, earning a spot to compete for the 9 to 12 ranking. 

Despite a set win against Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School, the Grizzlies lost in three sets. 

The final day of the tournament saw a rematch against Burnaby Central Secondary School, where the girls secured a victory in another three-set match, claiming 11th place at provincials. 

Senior girls coach Alexandra Bacso says the tournament was an “extremely successful weekend” for the senior girls. 

“The girls have been working hard not only this year, but in years prior preparing for Provincials. Our skill level turned the heads of coaches, players, and spectators who typically underestimate our northern team,” said Bacso.

“Every year, our team gets stronger and stronger. We were able to prepare ourselves well this year against the lower mainland competition, which ultimately led us to success.” 

Bacso says the 11th place win is the highest finish out of NPSS since 2014, and will likely seed the team into a higher ranking in future years to come. 

“I am beyond proud of this group of players. They were able to reach goals they set out at the beginning of the season, and that is extremely rewarding to see as a coach,” said Bacso.

“Additionally, the Grizzlies received the BCSS Fair Play Award in recognition of their sportsmanship on and off the court.”

Hailey Baker, Emilia Dyksterhuis and Hannah Sihlis were awarded Player of the Weekend status for their outstanding leadership and execution of technique and grit. 

The senior girls extend their gratitude to this season’s sponsors listed below, who help make travelling easier for the team.

• Lone Wolf Golf Course 
• District of Taylor
• John Bacso Muscle Therapy Inc.
• Techmation Electric & Controls
• EnviroBore Directional Drilling 
• The Whitford Family
• The Baker Family
• Critters Crates ‘N More
• Emily Bates
• The Babuick Family
• Graph X signs & Auto Designs
• Hewitt Consulting Services
• Homesteader Health
• The Steiner Family
• Complete Carpentry Services
• Backcountry
• Canfor
• Browns Social House
• Tourmaline
• HUB International Insurance Brokers
• Energetic Services Inc. 
• Energetic City News 
• Northern Vac Services
• Random Vac Truck Services LTD. 
• North Peace Parent Advisory Committee
• Graylon Oilfield LTD. 
• Bert Bowes Middle School- Referee
• Elementary School Tournament- Referee
• H.A.S Automation and Controls