Volleyball Season Wrap Up 2023

The Logos Lightning volleyball teams participated in their first ISSAPP Tournament of the year last Saturday. Throughout the season, the teams won most of their friendly matches played against AHIS, Hope, EWIS, CIA, CIS, and the GVA Eagles. Additionally, they secured their place in the top 3 in the ISSAPP Seeding Tournament and the top 5 in the ASAC Senior Volleyball Tournament.

This year's ISSAPP Varsity Final Tournament was held at the Canadian International School. The Logos boys' first game was against Paragon, a school they haven't played prior. Throughout the game the boys showed dominance on court, the team executed their kills precisely, resulting in their first win of the day: 2-0. Following the guys first game, the girls faced their first opponent, Northbridge International School. Having only played NISC once in the ASAC Tournament, the girls fought hard till the end and almost made it, giving NISC a victory of 2-1. Despite their disappointment, the girls endured, and their spirits were not defeated.

After resting for an hour, the boys faced their second opponent for the semi-final round, the CIS Bears. Although Logos had faced CIS twice before in friendlies, both teams played a tough game, bringing a victorious 25-20 first set, a tight 28-26 second set, and ultimately the second win for the boys: 2-0. This secured them into the championship round.

For their second game, the girls played against Southbridge International School, whom they faced only once in the seeding tournament, and once again won the match with a 2-0. As a result of equally winning and losing a game, the varsity girls headed right to the plate final against a long scholastic rival, East-West International School. Despite the fact that they did not have a long break, the girls pushed through till the end of the match and won their plate final with a victorious 2-0. It was safe to say that their last game left everyone in awe with countless risky saves, and powerful hits all throughout the sets. Their passion and aggression shook the audience, shining an admiring spotlight onto their skills.

The boys' last game was against a long known tough team, ISPP. In the first set, Logos lost with a score of 18-25. However, the team persevered and fought till the end in their second set, but fell short, ending with a score of 23-25.

In every match, the Logos teams showed an incredible display of teamwork, communication, and determination to get through each game. Their dedication to practicing early mornings, after schools, weekends, and even on school breaks have led the girls to 5th place and the boys to 2nd, a boys' ranking not seen since 2019. In the end, Logos was able to bring home two medals from this year's ISSAPP Final Tournament!

While the varsity teams played at CIS, the Logos Junior Varsity teams had their tournament held at ISPP. Both the girls and guys team showed excellent teamwork and communication skills, covering and encouraging each other. The JV girls never lost a set and beat their opponents swiftly showcasing that their skills are incredibly redoubtful. While in the afternoon the JV boys' tournament kept being delayed, they still won all their matches after times of grogginess and frustration. They worked communicatively and never gave up, even when things did not go according to plan.

Here is what the coaches and team captains have to say!

How do you feel about the team's performance this season?

"Even though we fell short, this is the first finals for most of the team. It was a good learning experience throughout the season. I'm proud of our achievements and securing a spot in the finals." - Odom (Varsity Boys Captain)

"Throughout the season there were many ups and downs. However, we gave it our all to the last game of the tournament. There is a lot of potential in this team as long as we are able to work together as one unit. Since the beginning of the season until the end, our team improved immensely." - Chhi Chhi (Varsity Girls Captain)

"I was impressed with the overall growth of the girls team this year. Everyone did their best and really tried to improve. Even though the final tournaments didn't go as well as we would have liked, we have a lot of potential and if the team can come together as a unit and overcome some mental blocks we will have a lot of fun and be able to push hard next year." - Coach Febus

"All players worked really hard during their practice and they never skipped practice once. To me, this shows that they are committed to learn, to be challenged by my coaching style, and to learn how to work together as a team. The result of the last tournament shows. We didn't lose." - Coach David

What are you most happy about with the team's performance?

"I'm overall happy with the dedication the team has to get better. Coming to morning practice everyday on time is not an easy task but the boys made time, even out of school days, to train." - Coach Andy

"We were finally learning to play as a team. We were communicating, whetting the ball up, hitting the ball, and receiving any ball that was hit at us." - Soksin (Varsity Girls Co-captain)

"The final game of the tournament was a highlight for the year. The team really came together and even though we only played for 5th place they played their best game of the year. Everything clicked, they talked, they covered, they hit, they got their serves in. The team finally put 2 solid sets together. It was a great way to end the season." - Coach Febus

"I'm most happy about our team's ability to adapt and grow over the season. They were able to step up into new positions and succeed through hard work. I feel that JV definitely played our best at the final tournament." - Coach Richardson

 "We learned that mental skills are as important as basic volleyball skills. Everyone knows how to bump, set, and spike. But not everyone knows/can control their emotions during the matches. During and after the tournament, I'm proud to say that all players have proved to me that their mental skills have met my expectations. " - Coach David

What do you wish for next year's team?

"Try to play as a team instead of playing independently, play point by point instead of getting dragged emotionally by the opponent's lead, not getting in your head during the game." - Coach Portem

"For next year I hope that everyone stays in shape during the off season so that we can hit the ground running. I hope that everyone learns to be a team and we can play as a unit for the entire season. I want everyone to get stronger mentally so that we don't have the same performance lapse that we did this year." - Coach Febus

"I hope that everyone keeps their passion for the game and stays committed to growing and working as a team." - Coach Richardson

What is the most important thing you learned?

"Most important thing I've learned as a coach is that encouragement can go a long way for anyone. The team went throughout a lot of ups and downs so it was my job to uplift the spirit and push them." - Coach Andy

"To take initiative in your words and make sure those words aren't empty. Don't just say something and expect it to come to you, but say it and do it." - Odom

"Play smart but not scared, and communication is key." - Chhi Chhi

- Shareen. S & Jan. C