With only one practice under their belts, the members of the J.L. Crowe Secondary senior girls volleyball team got a quick indoctrination into the new season over the weekend.
The team hosted its 41st annual volleyball tournament and attracted some stellar teams from across the East and West Kootenay.
Once the dust settled two powerhouses duked it out in the final with Kimberley's Selkirk Secondary sweeping Slocan's Mt. Sentinel Secondary in two straight games, 25-23 and 25-18.
Even though Mt. Sentinel finished first in the round robin play, Selkirk rose to the occasion in the final.
“They played better,” admitted long-time Mt. Sentinel coach Joe Moreira.
“We were tied at 14-14 in both games but they played better at the end.”
It was the first taste of action for all five teams and none got a bigger sample of the competition than the Crowe Hawks.
Despite some “moments of greatness,” the team lost all eight of its matches,” said coach Keelan Murtagh.
“It was a great learning experience. It's a rebuilding year for us and we've only had one practice so far.”
The Hawks finished fifth in the round robin and missed the playoffs. Nelson's L.V. Rogers defeated Golden Secondary to finish third in the tournament.
The Hawks are back to practicing this week with their next tournament in Kelowna at Mt. Boucherie Secondary.