Mustangs gearing up for Valleys

The Princess Margaret Mustangs senior girls volleyball team is hoping to peak at the right time.

The young team, with only four returning Grade 12s, will be hosting the Okanagan Valley senior girls 2A championships on Nov. 15.

“Our season has been a lot about development and growth on the court,” said head coach Bo Boxall. “Over the course of the last month we have improved tremendously, in particular when it comes to team defence. “Our ability to keep the ball alive and extend rallies has been keeping us in matches where we would otherwise be outmatched.

“It shows a lot about our teams heart and desire to compete.”

Boxall said Tessa Lannon- Paakspuu is the team’s spark plug emotionally and has been leading the charge defensively.

“At the net our setters, Anika Hollowaty and Sydney Foster, are really developing some good chemistry with our middles Ciska Baakeran, Paisley Anderson and Katerina Sergeeva. Grade 12’s Elena Greig and Josie Meyer have been great calming influences, bringing a wealth of much needed experience to the court.”

The Mustangs will face Mount Boucherie – a team they have lost two twice this season - in their first game at the Valleys.

“Both matches were competitive and I’m expecting a hard fought battle to go the distance against them,” said Boxall. “If we can play well defensively and find a way to finish late in the sets, we should be able to win. Ultimately our goal is to push for a spot at the provincials.”

The Mustangs have a huge home match before the provincials, as Princess Margaret will be hosting this year’s Cross-City Challenge against the Pen-Hi Lakers Nov. 12 starting at 6 p.m.

The senior girls’ game will be followed by the senior boys’ matchup at 7:30 p.m.

Admission to the match will be through donations of non-perishable food items to kick-start the 10,000 Tonight Food Drive.

Last year, nearly 600 people took in the two matches.

“We are hoping to have even more people there this year,” said Boxall, noting leadership students at both schools have been preparing a number of fun games and activities for before and during the matches.

Jeffers Fryzz will be onsite serving up some great Lakers and Mustangs poutines.