Auroras hit court

Despite some youth and inexperience when it comes to the senior varsity level, the St. Mary’s Auroras girls volleyball team still managed to make the quarter-finals of the Southern Alberta High School Girls Volleyball League pre-season tournament

“We were able to hold our own at the senior level as well. We worked our way into the quarter finals where we had a good mach against Raymond going to three sets,” said John Bronsema, co-coach of the St. Mary’s Auroras girls volleyball team.

The Auroras almost made it to the semifinals, losing a marathon first set 30-32 before running out of steam in the decisive third set.

Early returns on the Auroras have Bronsema seeing some strong serving form his Auroras in setting the table both offensively and defensively.

“Hopefully it can develop variety in our attack in how we play. This past weekend we played a lot of people in different positions in getting them acquainted with what I call the total game,” said Bronsema. “Hopefully that experience will help us eliminate highs and lows when someone is not having a good day, you can have someone else take over that spot.”

There are 12 girls total spanning across both the junior and senior varsity programs this year with many players floating between both programs. St. Mary’s Auroras girls volleyball programs will feature four Grade 12s, one Grade 11 and the rest are Grade 10s.  

Bronsema will be looking for leadership from all age levels.

“Just because different people have had different experiences when it comes to the team. It’s not like the Grade 12s have been together the whole time. Two of the Grade 12s are new to the team this year,” said Bronsema.

Bronsema will be co-coaching the Auroras along with Dave Wilson where all players will be expected contribute in either the junior or senior varsity programs or both.

“You try and improve team results by improving everyone’s ability to participate. We have 12 players and we’re going to try our best so that all 12 players can feel confident they have improved their game and if we feel they have improved their game, they have every right to be out there depending on the situation.”