With only two returning Grade 12 players following the graduation of eight players last season, the SMUS senior girls volleyball team has faced a learning curve this fall.
But so far, so good for the Blue Jags, who are improving every time they step on the court. Earlier this month, they won the Tier 2 division of the annual Vancouver Island University tournament in Nanaimo.
“Last year, we had a lot more Grade 12s and, this year, we only have a couple,” says outside hitter Fallon MacKenzie, one of those two seniors. “But I think we’re definitely very committed this year … Everybody who has shown up is dedicated and we gel together well.”
The Blue Jags came together on the final day of the VIU tournament on Oct. 3, beating Chemainus, Port Hardy and Chilliwack to take the Tier 2 title.
“Everybody is stepping up to provide leadership — not just Grade 12s,” MacKenzie says.
Joining MacKenzie as a returning senior is Mikaela Dubé, a six-foot-four middle hitter who brings size and experience to the lineup. Natalie DiFelice-Oinonen, a Grade 10 student, is also a factor in the middle for SMUS.
“We look for pretty strong offence from our middle hitters — from Natalie and Mikaela — and a big impact from Fallon on the left side,” says head coach Melanie Bendfeld, in her 16th year steering the Blue Jags. Bendfeld is assisted by Chantelle Dobie, who is in her third year with the team.
Four Grade 11 players who were part of the SMUS junior program last year — libero Sienna Michel, outside hitters Nola Taylor and Angelina Accad, and setter Ava Crawford — are also key contributors for the Blue Jags. Grade 10 players Elia Webster Guillen, Ali Brooks and Evie Longridge round out the squad.
The team relies on Brooks and MacKenzie for their strong serving, while Crawford’s role as setter “is pretty important in giving our offence a chance to run,” Bendfeld says.
The Blue Jags are once again playing at the AAA level, with Lower Island competition in that classification coming from Vic High, Stelly’s, Edward Milne, Esquimalt, Lambrick Park and Parkland.
Bendfeld expects Esquimalt and Stelly’s to provide the toughest local competition for the Blue Jags. SMUS was scheduled to face Esquimalt in league action on Oct. 13 at Claremont and will meet Stelly’s on the final night of league play on Oct. 27 at Esquimalt. Heading into this week, the Blue Jags were 2-2 in Lower Island AAA regular-season games after splitting two-game matches with both Edward Milne and Reynolds.
This year’s Lower Island playoffs take place Nov. 3 and 10. Last season, SMUS finished fourth among Lower Island teams and lost a challenge match against Carihi for the final spot in the Vancouver Island AAA tournament. The Blue Jags’ initial goal this year is to finish among the top three teams on the Lower Island and qualify for the Island championships, hosted by Ballenas Secondary on Nov. 20 and 21.
The longer-term goal is to qualify for the B.C. AAA championships, Dec. 3-5 at Wellington in Nanaimo. A maximum of three teams from the Island will advance to the provincial tournament, with one of those berths already guaranteed to the host Wildcats.
Before the playoffs, the Blue Jags will take part in the Brentwood Invitational tournament this Friday and Saturday in Mill Bay. They will also compete in the Independent Schools Athletic Association tournament Oct. 25-26 at Crofton House School.
