On Oct. 18 and 19, the Highland Junior Boys were in Victoria at Spectrum for a 16 team tournament. There were four pools of four teams with each pool winner advancing to the semi-finals. HIghland had a very strong first day playing Wellington (Nanaimo), Mt. Doug (Victoria), and Belmont (Victoria). 

In all three matches the boys demonstrated consistent volleyball with fewer and fewer 鈥減eaks and valleys.鈥� The intense moments pumped the players up. Highland played a strong first day going six wins and zero losses. This set the team up for the semi-final game on Saturday. Not playing until late afternoon can be a challenge and it was up to the boys to rise up to it and be ready to play at a high standard right away. And that they did.

The semi-finals were against Ladysmith; a team that beat Highland in the round-robin last weekend at VIU. Highland was more than ready and eager to set the tone in the game. Solid passing and serving were keys in allowing HIghland to play with confidence and consistency. 

They beat Ladysmith 25-14 and 25-13. Claremont won the other semi-finals which put Highland against one of the top teams in the south Island. Both teams played with passion, intensity, and a high level of volleyball. 

The first set was either team鈥檚 to win and unfortunately, that team was not Highland. They lost 25-23 in a dog-fight of a set. The second set was almost a mirror image of the first. Lead changes, huge blocks, massive hits, good serving and most of all, healthy competition and respect for each other. Claremont took that set 25-23 as well. Highland took silver. 

Highland is hosting the zone playoffs on Oct. 29, and the North Island Championships on Nov. 1 and 2.