Yukon’s junior female volleyball team was in the stands, not on the court, for semifinal play at the 2016 Arctic Winter Games this week in Nuuk, Greenland.
The team lost four straight, placed fifth out of five teams and did not advance to the semis.
“You win some, you lose some. Unfortunately we didn’t play at the level we have in the past. But the girls made some great plays and continued to battle even through the tough times,” said Yukon coach Heather Julsrud. “I couldn’t be more proud of the girls and their growth over this season.”
The Yukon team lost in straight sets to Alaska and Alberta North on Monday.
Yukon then dropped a four-setter to N.W.T. on Tuesday and a five-setter to Nunavut on Wednesday. Nunavut won two of the sets, including the deciding fifth, in extra points at 27-25 and 26-24.
“I think any loss is hard on a team, so disappointment is expected,” said Julsrud. “But the girls battled hard in the last game against Nunavut ... So although disappointed, the girls all commented about being happy about their accomplishments and the fun they had this year. “
N.W.T. went on to take the bronze with a three-set win over Nunavut in the bronze game. Alaska defeated Alberta North in five sets to win the gold.
“Alice Frost was on her game the whole week. Hitting everything and making a few amazing blocks,” added Julsrud. “Alice also won the ‘fair play award pin’ ... for her continuing outstanding play.
“Tayla McNally never gave up on anything. She played well throughout the whole week. Making majority of our passing from the back line, and attacking when she was in the front.
“Kendra Peters stepped up and made a miraculous stuff block. For being one of the smallest players on our team it’s good to see her play at the higher level.”
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com