A dominant season by the DVSS Senior Girls Dynos volleyball team came to an end last weekend as the team competed at the 2A Provincial Tournament.
The provincial 12-team tournament was held in Wainwright from November 21- 23. The Dynos were riding high going into the tournament with a league championship and back-to-back zone championships.
In pool play, they finished second in their bracket with wins over St. Joseph’s and Webber Academy, but fell to Bearspaw Christian.
When they crossed over into the playoffs, they went three sets with Edmonton Christian but fell short. This match would have put them in the quarter-finals.
“It was pretty heartbreaking because that would have gotten us to the championship side of the bracket,” said coach Erica Crocker.
They bounced back with a win over Wainwright but finished 10 after a defeat by Lamont.
She noted the competition was stiff, with experienced teams, deep benches, and an incredible amount of talent.
“Tenth in the province among 2A schools is remarkable. This has been the most incredibly successful season that I have had with the Dynos program,” she said. “I am so proud of them, and we have the best Dyno family for sure with the families and friends. All of them travelled with us all the way to Wainwright to cheer us on the whole way. We are very grateful for it.”
This team had eight players that went to provincials the prior year and is the culmination of years of the team working together playing both school volleyball and with the Drumheller Volleyball Club. The team has grown into a tight-knit group.
“Over the years you meet so many talented young women and you hope they love the sport of volleyball and some go on to post-secondary with their opportunities to play varsity volleyball. It is an incredible feeling as a coach to have some level of involvement in their success,” she said.
She said her entire experience, with the team and the provincial tournament has been special.
“It’s sad because we lost, but we are mostly sad because it’s over. We have six graduating from Grade 12. They have left quite the legacy with the Dynos over the years, and this will be a season we will never forget.”
