With just one match left in the 2019 Rocky View Sports Association (RVSA) volleyball season, the W.H. Croxford Cavaliers senior girls’ team was still on the hunt for its first league win.
As of Oct. 22, the team is at the bottom of the seven-team standings, with a 0-5 record. The Cavaliers’ winless streak continued with a four-set defeat to the Bow Valley Bobcats Oct. 16, and a sweep by the George McDougall Mustangs Oct. 21.
“We could definitely have a chance against some of the teams, but we just don’t usually pull it out until the third set, and then it becomes too late – we can’t pull it together for the win,” said senior middle Cliah Joyce.
“We just need to be able to come out strong for the first sets. If we do that, we can see where [the game is going] and improve on that.”
The Bobcats took the first set 25-18. They’re looking likely to win this set as well, unless the Cavaliers can mount a comeback. @WHCroxford pic.twitter.com/eLx6mYnNNL
— Scott Strasser (@scottstrasser19) October 17, 2019
Bow Valley outplayed the Cavaliers in the first set, easily taking it 25-18. Croxford improved its play significantly in the second frame, but still fell to the Bobcats by a narrow two-point margin.
“It comes down to communication and lack of focus,” said senior Harley Warthe, the team’s libero. “It also had a lot to do with our service. If you can’t serve, you can’t get a point.”
Despite the poor start, the Cavaliers rallied back in the third set to record a convincing 25-17 victory against the Cochrane team, extending the match. At one point, the home team led the Bobcats 22-11.
The Cavaliers have played their best in the third set and lead 20-12. I think we’re going to four, here. pic.twitter.com/EDSEMtvAAk
— Scott Strasser (@scottstrasser19) October 17, 2019
According to Joyce, the Cavs’ defence improved in the third frame, and the players started talking more.
The Cavaliers continued to play well into the fourth set, as the two teams traded points. But, strong serving and hitting from the Bobcats ultimately shone through, and the visitors took the frame 25-17. The Cochrane squad’s outside hitter ended the match with a ferocious kill that Croxford couldn’t return.
Here’s the Bobcats taking the match with a big hit down the left. Set ends 25-17. 3-1 final. pic.twitter.com/sIE8ulKRvS
— Scott Strasser (@scottstrasser19) October 17, 2019
The Cavaliers concluded the regular-season schedule with an Oct. 23 battle (after press time) against the second-place Cochrane Cobras. The RVSA playoffs will run Nov. 4 to 8.
Chargers in fourth
The Bert Church Chargers senior girls’ team is proving to be Airdrie’s top competitor in the RVSA this year, with a .400 record and a fourth-place showing after five matches.
Outside of tournament play, the Chargers started the season with wins over the Cavaliers and Bobcats, before losing to the second-place Cobras (3-1) and the third-place Lakers (3-2).
The team’s losing streak continued with another match against top-three opposition Oct. 21, in a three-set sweep by the second-place Springbank Phoenix.
Bert Church ended its regular season Oct. 23, with an all-Airdrie battle against George McDougall. The Chargers and Mustangs both went into the match with 2-3 records.
