The BVCS boys volleyball team recently competed at the Bluewater Regional Volleyball Finals held in Sauble Beach.

Representing the North East District, the locals were one of eight District Champions, encompassing 55 schools, to compete for the Regional crown.

The Beaver Valley Cobras played in a pool with Highpoint of Dundalk, Port Elgin, and Ripley. The BVCS boys had worked hard on their game, and it showed. They comfortably defeated Port Elgin 25-16, 25-16, followed by Highpoint 25-18, 25-17.

A tall and athletic Ripley squad matched up well with the Cobras as they split their pool games 26-24, and 23-25. Beaver Valley mounted a stunning comeback in the first game to turn an 11-point deficit into a victory. Great serving, spiking, blocking, and quick defensive play was exhibited by both squads as they showed a high level of skill in this entertaining match.

Following the round-robin portion of the tournament the Cobras advanced to the semifinals where they were matched up with a strong, tall Hanover team who had gone undefeated to claim first place in their pool. Playing some of their best volleyball of the day the Cobras disappointed the confident Hanover contingent as they posted a 25-14, 25-9 victory, earning their way into the championship final.

After a long and grueling day it was fitting that the two teams who had lost only one game all day, to each other, were to square off for the championship. Ripley caught the Cobras in a bit of a funk and took the first game 25 - 13. The Valley boys regrouped and handed Ripley a 25-18 loss.

The tie-breaking game was a pressure-filled contest, featuring inspired play by both squads. On a day where it could have gone either way, it went Ripley's way, as they earned a hard fought 15-9 victory to claim the gold medal.

The Cobras were gracious runners up, and exhibited good sportsmanship throughout the tourney.

Coach Mike Trudell devoted countless early mornings and after school hours to help this team develop. Parents were supportive and it was a huge vote of confidence to see Principal Keith Lefaive at the tournament.

On the court, team captain Dan Halos led the way with strong serving, heads up play and booming spikes throughout the day. James Breadner was exceptional, pounding the ball at the opposition with either hand. Skyler Wright was a monster at the net with stuff blocks and put backs all day long.

Adam Finn and Max Vidrecaire combined hard hitting with quality setting to spearhead the Cobra attack. Isaac Goodings and Eric Hibbard contributed precision serving and fine defensive play to keep the opposition off balance. Will Hunter, Zander Simmons, Carter Comish and Max Pfeiffer were solid all over the court, and made huge plays when it counted the most. Taylor Lafond, who had been instrumental in the team's earlier success, was injured and cheered from the sidelines along with assistant coach Joe Halos.

The athletic program at BVCS is alive and well. This year's senior boys have made a strong case to be considered the top school program amongst all 55 Bluewater schools. Regional Silver Medalists in both flag football and volleyball, along with a basketball tournament gold medal over Simcoe County schools places this group of athletes at the top level of middle school sports.