The F.H. Collins Warriors triumphed at the Spook and Spike volleyball tournament in Whitehorse, securing victories across multiple age divisions and challenging the traditional dominance of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School (SFA) teams.
A snowstorm disrupted the original plans for the Dawson Invitational Volleyball Tournament, leading to the Spook and Spike event instead, according to F.H. Collins' coach Nathan Bingham. Bingham added that Pierre Laurin, Operations Manager with Yukon Standard Bus, prioritized safety first when considering the journey.
Sean McCarron, volleyball coach at SFA, organized the Spook and Spike tournament to run from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. The tournament was hosted by F.H. Collins, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School and CSSC Mercier.
The F.H. Collins senior boys' team faced SFA in the finals for a best-of-three match. Despite notable performances from SFA’s Gabe Raccine and Nicco Connel, Chris McCarron’s reflexes and Cy McDowell’s offensive play secured the victory for the F.H. Collins Warriors.
The SFA boys’ team had competed in Supervolley the night before, and Bingham noted that fatigue possibly contributed to their loss.
The F.H. Collins junior girls' team played SFA at their home court in the Riverdale subdivision. Bingham highlighted coach Natasha Biladeau’s strategic planning, which kept the SFA Crusaders at bay. He added that Cassia Kelly’s consistent serves and Kara McClean’s net play contributed to the F.H. Collins Warriors’ victory
The F.H. Collins junior boys’ team showcased outstanding development and competitive play, according to Bingham. In the final, FHC defeated Mercier.
Key performances by Ezra Quaile, Noah Zaiden and Shamus Inglis secured FHC's victory, with Inglis demonstrating seamless athleticism from soccer to volleyball, Bingham said. Their combined efforts overwhelmed Mercier, marking a memorable win for FHC.
The F.H. Collins senior girls' team were narrowly defeated by Rue’s Crew in the final. Despite being down 18–22, Rue’s Crew clawed back to win 26–24, thanks to Emiko Teremura’s defense and Natasha Biladeau setting the ball up for offensive attacks.
Coach and player Chelsea Matzick's attacks were crucial for Rue’s Crew, Bingham noted. FHC’s second-place finish in the senior girls division, just behind Rue’s Crew, placed them ahead of other high school teams, he added.
The Warriors' strong midseason performances have the team excited about upcoming events, Bingham said. The Supervolley finals and Yukon Championships are approaching, and Bingham notes that the FHC Warriors are poised for a successful season.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
