U18 WHAM claims Premier 2 tournament title

Taber Times Photo Submitted

By Cole Parkinson
Taber Times

The Taber U18 WHAM team was able to lay claim to Premier 2 tournament gold in Calgary and Okotoks over the March 16-17 weekend. 

WHAM was in Pool E and took on Fairview Force, Aviators, and Mad Dogs during round-robin play. Wham would beat Fairview 25-16 and 25-23 and Mad Dogs 25-22 and 25-14. They were unable to beat the Aviators as they fell 21-25 and 13-25. 

After a tough round-robin and two wins in the bank, Taber WHAM found themselves in a good position heading into the playoffs. Comprised of players from around the area — Three girls from Vauxhall, two from W.R. Myers, three from St. Mary’s, and a St. Mary’s alumni — the team has plenty of familiarity. 

“Great passing and setting all weekend and was a very good weekend for our middles Reese Lund and Natalie Porter as they dominated in the middle,” explained head coach Derry Kolody. 

In the playoffs, WHAM would work their way through Storm, Cranbrook Kodiaks, and Fairview Force to make it to the finals where they would face off against Aviators once again.

“Previously, we went 0-4 against the team we played in the final,” added Kolody.

Despite the losing record, WHAM brought their best effort and won the gold in two straight sets — 25-16 and 25-22. 

Next Premier for Taber WHAM is set for April 13-14 in Edmonton and Spruce Grove.