Magrath volleyball teams crowned league champions

By Lethbridge Herald on November 14, 2022.

By Ry Clarke

LETHBRIDGE HERALD

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Southern Alberta High School Volleyball League post season championship was held this weekend, with Magrath winning both the boys and girls brackets. The boys championship was held in Cardston where Magrath beat Kate Andrews three sets to one, while the girls division played at Chinook High School, where Magrath beat LCI three sets to one.

“Between Magrath and LCI girls, they split the first two sets. Then Magrath was able to take the next two. They really got on the roll and that fourth set kind of brought it home with a decisive win,” said Bruce Carbert, athletic director at Chinook High School. “Magrath was the number four seed coming in, and they knocked out the number two seed, LCI, after knocking out Churchill in the semi final, it was a well-earned victory.”

The tournament saw a good match-up of teams playing within the area, gearing players up for the next phase of competition. “It is the culmination of the post-season tournaments, the senior varsity girls and boys held their championship this weekend,” said Carbert. “The semi final for girls featured the Magrath Pandas against the Churchill Griffins, with Magrath coming out victorious in three sets, but three close sets, it was a good matchup. The LCI Clippers beat the Chinook Coyotes three-to-two in five sets.”

The tournament saw a good turnout of players with the plenty of heated plays and a showcase of student talent. “It is always fun to see a season kind to a build up with a final in the championship,” said Carbert. “This tournament is the culmination of our season. But this coming weekend both teams are off to zones. So, this finishes off our league, and then we get to go province wide.”

With a double win on the weekend, Magrath will look to take that domination forward as they go. “They are exceptionally strong,” said Carbert. “They are one of the top programs in the province right now. They have chosen to elect up to 4A this year and they have a good chance of winning the entire province. They are well coached, and they have as good a shot as anybody in this province of winning for the banner this year.”

With the fighting spirit still ignited, the teams will look to score victory going forward. “Both the boys and girls love playing in front of family and friends. Chinook is proud to host today here and it’s about getting out and playing,” said Carbert. “We have a lot of volleyball coming up in southern Alberta. 2A, 3A, and 4A provincials are all held south of Calgary. 3A’s at Churchill in a couple weeks, 4