Jason Kerr
Daily Herald
After missing out on provincials one year ago, the new look St. Mary Marauders Sr. Boys Volleyball Team plans to make noise when they get back.
The Marauders will host the 5A Boys Provincial volleyball tournament this year on Nov. 14-15. The tournament is still one month away, but the Marauders are already preparing for it.
“I’m honestly excited to be back on the court,” Marauder captain Noah Welter said. “Obviously last year we weren’t able to make provincials, and I think that’s put a little bit of fight into us. We have a very young team, and I think we’re eager to play.”
The 2024-25 volleyball season will be a year of turnover for St. Mary. The club has only three returning players, with half the squad composed of Grade 10s.
Welter sees the youth movement as one of the teams strengths, but said they have work to do if they want a strong showing at provincials.
“I think we’re going to compete very well this year,” Welter said.
“I think we need to stay focused and keep a growth mindset. I think if we are able to focus on our goals and compete as a team, anything’s really possible.”
St. Mary head coach Rene Quintal said the nine fresh faces have plenty of experience on the volleyball court. However, he said they’ll need to rely on veterans like Welter, and play tough defence to chalk up wins.
“We’re maybe not physically the most imposing team, but I think by the end of the year we’re going to have a really strong serve receive, which is going to allow us to run a diversified offence,” Quintal said.
“Half the team is in Grade 10 so we’re going to lean on our older kids for experience, but at the same time, going into every match we’re in, we have a chance to compete and win.”
The Marauders had plenty of success in their home tournament in early September. They finished third that weekend, and Welter expects more success going forward.
“Honestly, I think it (the St. Mary tournament) was an amazing turnout, especially for the first weekend that we all played together here,” he said. “I think we definitely have some things that we can improve on, but overall, we showed our skills. We know what we can improve on, and we’re just eager to get back on the court this weekend.”
The Marauders are back on the court this weekend at the Carlton Crusaders home tournament. They open the weekend against the Melfort at noon on Friday.
@kerr_jas • jason.kerr@paherald.sk.ca
