Friday's city conference final in metro Edmonton high school men's volleyball was a dress rehearsal for next weekend's 3A zone tournament for the St. Albert Skyhawks.
"They're both equally as important. Obviously we want to focus on the city championship right now and then go from there, but to win a zone berth into the 3A provincials would just be extraordinary for us," said Grade 12 middle Roberto Sanchez, after the Skyhawks swept the Archbishop MacDonald Marauders in Wednesday's semifinal at the SkyDome.
The score between the Skyhawks and the Strathcona Christian Academy Eagles in the final was unavailable at press time.
The last time the Skyhawks competed for city honours was their 2006 championship win.
"We've been practicing really hard. We really wanted to make it to the final. We want to put a banner on our walls," said Levi Constantin, an imposing six-foot-six Grade 12 middle.
In league play the Skyhawks (12-1) needed five sets to down the Eagles (11-1) in Sherwood Park.
"They're based around their middles but they don't got much size to them so we have a height advantage. If we get up there we can take them," Constantin said.
The Eagles advanced to the final by taming the Leduc Tigers (9-3) in the playoffs. The Tigers were the only team to defeat the Skyhawks, who fell 17-25, 21-25, 28-26, 25-14, 7-15 in Leduc in the last game before the playoffs.
"It was pretty devastating for us losing that game," Sanchez said. "They're a really good team. They have really good hitters and their setters are better than decent."
The Skyhawks and Tigers could hook up again in the crossover round at zones, with both teams in opposite pools.
"They've got some big middles. They know how to hit and their blocks are really hard to get around but if we hit hard we can hit through it," Constantin said.
The Skyhawks rebounded from their first loss with an easy sweep of the Parkland Immanuel Penguins (4-8) before knocking off a tough MacDonald (9-4) team 25-22, 25-22, 25-20.
"It was pretty intense. We fought hard. We knew it was going to be a great battle and from both ends it was just an all-around great game," Sanchez said.
The Skyhawks finished strong in all three sets, with a variety of players taking turns in the spotlight. Captain Ryan Beztilny was a force at power and was equally dangerous serving the ball. Sanchez and Constantin dominated the middle with aggressive blocking and hitting. Ben Crothers and Hugh Scott Miller were also rock solid on the court to help lift the Skyhawks into the final.
"It's pretty special for all of us, considering we haven't played in a final in who knows how long," Sanchez said. "I know all of us are going to be nervous but also super pumped for that game."
Win or lose, the Skyhawks will set their sights on zones. They are seeded fourth in the eight-team draw. The two finalists advance to provincials, Nov. 22 to 24 in Whitecourt.
"With two teams going it gives you an extra edge. We know Louis St. Laurent (seeded first) is going to be tough to beat so hopefully us two are in the final to go to provincials. That would just be over the top for us," said Sanchez, 17.
In preparation for zones, the Skyhawks competed in six tournaments and their best showing was second place in Ardrossan.
"We had a few losses but we were playing some high end teams and by playing against those teams really helped us improve this season," said Constantin.
The noted basketball player has been a revelation for the Skyhawks patrolling the net. His last crack at volleyball before this year was in Grade 9 with the Richard S. Fowler Falcons.
"It's really nice because I never felt like I was as good as I am. Just being around so many good players on our team helped me improve as a player. It's been a great time, a lot of fun," said Constantin, 17.
Lady Skyhawks
Wednesday's snowstorm postponed the premier women's semifinal between the Skyhawks (9-0) and Ardrossan Bisons (6-3) at the SkyDome. It was staged Friday afternoon, but the score was unavailable at press time.
The winner challenges the Bev Facey Falcons (9-1) in today's final at 5 p.m. at Bev Facey High School. Admission is $5.
Next weekend the Skyhawks and Edmonton Christian Lions co-host the eight-team 3A zone tournament. Friday's pool A matches and Saturday's crossover playoffs are scheduled for the SkyDome. The final is 3 p.m. Saturday and the two finalists advance to provincials, Nov. 22 to 24 in Camrose.
The Skyhawks are seeded first at zones.
