For the second straight year, the MEI Eagles senior boys volleyball team has earned a provincial medal.
The Eagles entered the tournament, hosted by Victoria’s Pacific Christian School from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, ranked fourth in the province but struggled in pool play and finished fourth.
That meant a more difficult path for a deep playoff run, but the Eagles beat the previously unbeaten Lambrick Park 3-0 (25-16, 25-22 and 25-15) in the first round of the playoffs on Dec. 1 and the swept host PCS 3-0 (25-22, 25-22 and 25-21) on Dec. 2.
MEI then defeated rival Abbotsford Christian 3-1 (25-21, 25-27, 25-23 and 25-18) on Dec. 2 to advance to the final against Langley Christian on Dec. 3.
The Eagles fell behind 0-2 to Langley, but then adjusted their offensive strategy and won the next two sets. The final set was close, but in the end Langley hung on for the win. The final score was (25-22, 25-17, 19-25, 22-25 and 15-12).
Head coach Derek Shuel said it was a solid overall effort from his team. MEI’s Ben Brandsma and captain Noah Friesen were both named tournament all-stars, while Troy Ardell was an honourable mention. The Eagles won a AA bronze in 2021.
RELATED: Abbotsford Christian Knights, MEI Eagles earn provincial volleyball banners
Abbotsford Christian placed fourth overall at the event after losing in the bronze medal match.
Other Abbotsford teams competing at volleyball provincials included the Yale Lions who finished 12th in AAAA senior girls and 15th in AAA senior boys.
Winning a provincial title at your home gym is truly special. Congrats to OKM for capturing the 2022 ‘AAAA’ Girls Volleyball Provincial Title! Congratulations also to all 16 teams who competed hard on the court! Here are the 1st & 2nd Team All-Stars and final team standings. pic.twitter.com/sXUoxZYdUH
— BC School Sports (@BCSchoolSports) December 6, 2022
Not 1, but 2! Congrats to the 2022 ‘AAA’ Boys Volleyball Provincial Champions: Kelowna! It is a stunning achievement to capture the banner two years in a row after a dominant performance in this year’s tournament. Check out the All-Stars and final standings! pic.twitter.com/WDje4LtKI0
— BC School Sports (@BCSchoolSports) December 6, 2022