After six finals losses, KVA girls get over hump at provincial club volleyball championships

KVA swept the Seaside Surf of the Lower Mainland 2-0 in the best-of-three final to win the B.C. title, putting an exclamation point on an undefeated weekend.

“It was kind of really emotional, I would say,” KVA standout Ryen Scott said. “A bunch of us broke into tears because we worked so hard to get there.”

Seaside topped KVA in the B.C. title tilt last year.

“To see our improvement and fight to win and beat the same team in the final was awesome,” said Maya Vedd, the KVA setter who was named MVP of the tournament.

The Kamloops girls, who won bronze at the provincial championship two years ago, have developed into a powerhouse.

“When you look at the height and offensive capabilities we have, it’s impressive,” head coach Rob Gowe said. “Their work ethic and determination to play solid defense and use that to transition – that’s our strength.”

Scott and Annaka Lestander are first-team provincial club league all-stars, while Naya Grimm is a second-team all-star.

Grimm and Scott will soon join the National Excellence Program.

“A big feeling of relief,” Grimm said when asked about getting over the hump at provincials. “All our hard work and all the times we’ve been at practise and pushed each other, it all paid off.”

KVA will host Owyn McInnis Volleyfest on Saturday and Sunday at the TCC.

The B.C. champions will take a shot at Canadian supremacy on May Long Weekend at nationals.

“Not done yet,” Scott said. “It’s a push for a national title now. That’s kind of our mindset.”

by Marty Hastings

After six finals losses, KVA girls get over hump at provincial club volleyball championships

Our Community