Gladstone volleyball team prepares for provincials

William Morton Collegiate's varsity boys' volleyball team is heading off to the AA provincial championships. The Warriors went 2-1 in the provincial qualifier this past weekend to secure their spot in the end-of-season tournament. 

Grade 12 student Dean Rosling says it was very satisfying to come out victorious in the winner-take-all match with the Warren Wildcats. 

"I was pretty excited. We worked hard as a team, and it was nice to see it pay off."

William Morton finished the season as the seventh-ranked team in AA.

The group had the opportunity to qualify for the Provincial AA Volleyball Championships last season but they couldn't get past the qualifier. Rosling says that loss added fuel to their fire this time around.

"We have a lot of vets (veterans) on the team now. It was good to see. We've played a lot of games together now and have really come together as a team."

The left side notes they're a solid squad in all facets of the game. He says everyone can pass the ball and make a big hit when called upon, which he believes is a big part of their success.

Head coach Collin Smith says one of their main goals this season was to get to play in the provincial tournament. He adds the Warriors have grown immensely since they first stepped on the court in September.

"They've got a great team dynamic, and the guys all get along really well. It's a really strong group. They have a lot of team energy, a lot of team spirit, and they have a lot of fun when they're playing," Smith explains. "They've grown skill-wise, and as a team, significantly, throughout the year."

Now that William Morton has reached their goal, Rosling says their new objective is to put their best foot forward at provincials.

"(We want to) play good games as a team and do the best we can," Rosling continues. "This is it, so we just have to leave it all out on the court."

The William Morton Warriors will travel to The Pas next week for their shot to become the best AA volleyball team in Manitoba. The action kicks off on Thursday, December 1st.