Prince Albert Toppers En Fuego win provincial silver, prepare for nationals

The Prince Albert Optimist Toppers En Fuego 17U girls’ volleyball team’s gold medal streak has come to an end.

The Toppers entered this past weekend’s Conexus Provincial Championships in Saskatoon on the heels of three championship victories but this time they finished with silver.

“We were the No. 1 rank going into provincials, but that doesn’t guarantee you anything,” Toppers coach Nancy Wagar said.

“There were the Top 8 in Division 1 (competing) and any one of those eight teams could have won the whole thing.”

The Toppers won gold at their last three tournaments this year: The Tier 1 U17 Women Sask. Cup No. 2 in Weyburn on Feb. 26, the Toppers’ home tournament at Carlton Comprehensive High School on March 5 and at the Tier 1 U17 Women Sask. Cup No. 3 in Tisdale on March 26.

The Toppers had a strong start to provincials and advanced undefeated to the finals where they faced their rivals, the Saskatoon Smash. Wagar said the Toppers defeated the Smash at the 16U provincial finals last year.

This time around the Smash were victorious, defeating P.A. in straight sets, 25-20, 27-25. Wagar said, “It was a great match by both teams.”

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