The St. Joseph’s Junior Boys volleyball team and student spectators pose for a photo after the game on Wednesday in Chatham. Photo by: Alexandria M.
This past Wednesday, the Junior Boys volleyball team played against the Chatham-Kent Hawks in an exciting SWOSSAA championship game. The team, along with around forty spectators of fellow Lasers and even a few parents, piled into a school bus and headed to Chatham-Kent Secondary School.
Upon arrival, the Junior Boys hit the floor to warm up while the blue and yellow-clad crowd went upstairs to the bleachers that overlooked the gym. The spectators waited in anticipation for the match to start.
When the whistle finally blew, both teams started out strong with outstanding hits and quick defense. But at the start of the first set, the Hawks took an early lead that the Lasers couldn’t overcome. It was a close loss, and in the next set, the Lasers came back and won 25-20 in an electrifying game. At the final point, the St. Joe’s students in the crowd exploded into cheers, almost drowning out the referee’s whistle. The third set showed an even more exciting game in which the Lasers were narrowly defeated 24-26. In the fourth and final set, the Lasers tried to keep the energy up, but were unable to push back against the Hawks, making the final score a 1-3 loss.
Despite the outcome, the Lasers showed great determination and played an energetic game. “I’m super proud of the team tonight because they did what I asked them to do; they hit more often,” said coach Mrs. Fetter. “We passed the ball and served the ball better than we have all season long, so even though the score did not reflect their improvement, [the Lasers] actually did improve considerably in their games tonight-all four games.”
“Going into the game I don’t think we were expecting too much. But after the first set we were really fired up and we started giving it everything we had," commented team captain, Ezra F. "We just couldn’t bring it like [the Chatham Hawks] could, that’s why we lost. But it was a good season and I had fun.”
The Junior Boys pose with assistant coach Katelin F. (left) and coach Mrs. Fetter (right) before the game. Photo by: Alexandria M.
The Junior Boys had an up and down season that included many amazing wins, despite having to battle injuries and tough losses. On Wednesday, they demonstrated how much they had improved individually as players, and as a team. “I am so proud of how far the boys have come in their season. They really impressed all of us,” said assistant coach, Katelin F.
Throughout the evening, the students that came on the bus, parents, as well as former Lasers, were cheering and supporting the team. “The games were really intense and it kept us on the edge of our seats the whole time,” said grade ten student, Julie S.
Great job boys! Be sure to come and support the girls volleyball teams during their upcoming season!