ESTEVAN —
ECS wins fourth straight Co-op Challenge volleyball series
ESTEVAN — The Estevan Comprehensive School (ECS) Elecs’ mastery of the Co-op Challenge volleyball series continues.
The Elecs defeated the Weyburn Comprehensive School Eagles to win the showdown between the senior boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams for the fourth consecutive year. The challenge’s victor is decided by sets won; ECS captured 11 of 14.
ECS won all six sets during the two matches played Oct. 8 in Weyburn, and took the Estevan half 5-3 on Oct. 22, although Weyburn did win the series-closing senior girls’ match 3-2 (14-25, 25-16, 24-26, 25-16, 15-10). Estevan won the senior boys match 3-0 (25-22, 25-20, 25-16).
In terms of total points, ECS had a 318-266 edge.
A new trophy for the challenge’s victors was presented to the two ECS teams after the game in front of the large crowd that gathered for the matches.
After winning all six sets in Weyburn on Oct. 8, ECS needed to win just one set on Oct. 22 to guarantee the four-peat. The Elecs’ senior boys dashed any suspense by winning the first set on Oct. 22, and then pulled away in the second and third sets.
Bennett Walliser led the ECS offensive attack with eight kills and four aces, while Aidan Turner had seven kills and a block. Cameron Milbrandt contributed eight aces, Kris Phillips had a team-high four blocks, and Broden Henry had three aces and two blocks.
Senior boys’ head coach Bryton Such said the Elecs did a good job of staying consistent with their service pressure for the home games and the series.
“I think we also did a great job of managing our out-of-system offence with quality high ball sets and incorporating smart, intentful, shot selections,” Such said.
He believes volleyball is growing in Estevan in general, which is contributing to success at the Co-op Challenge. ECS is starting to see lots of very talented young athletes that are putting in the work that he views is necessary to get to the next level.
“Here in Estevan, we have the privilege of having some very dedicated athletes, coaches, supporters, managers, etc. That has culminated ... to create an environment for growth and success. We are now seeing the benefits of what was built and nurtured years ago.”
Such said he was thrilled to have a trophy for the Co-op Challenge, and he thanked the people who made it happen.
“It is a very meaningful addition to the experience of the co-op series to have the athletes’ hard work and dedication immortalized on the hardware for them to reminisce on in years future.”
He also thanked the media for their coverage, as it is more meaningful than people realize for amateur athletes to have their names and images.
Such thanked the fans who attended both the Estevan and Weyburn matches.
“I absolutely love the amount of support, pride and energy that was shown by the crowd the entire series. It was awesome to create an environment that will have lasting memories for the athletes that participated in the event. I would also like to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers, referees, teachers and fellow coaches that put in a ton of work to make the event possible.”
Regionals for the senior boys are Nov. 8 in Swift Current.
The senior girls, meanwhile, won the first set of their match to give Estevan a 10-0 lead in the series, but Weyburn fought back, winning the second set and holding a 24-21 lead in the third until Estevan rallied with five straight points to win 26-24. Weyburn recovered and won the final two sets to take a match in the Co-op Challenge for the first time since 2019.
Coach Hunter Perkins said Olivia Semenuik led the team in kills and Karina Hjorteland lead the team in aces. Total numbers were not available.
He noted said that during the series, the Elecs did well to stay competitive in a loud and exciting environment, especially in the first leg of the series in Weyburn. ECS also served very well and put some pressure on Weyburn.
“I think the highlights from our matches would be just the excitement from playing in front of a crowd in Weyburn and at home,” he said.
The Elecs would have liked to have won at home, but Weyburn played really well and Estevan made a few too many errors.
Perkins is pleased that Estevan was once again able to win the challenge and to provide excitement for younger fans.
“I think it is important to have big and exciting games for younger athletes to watch and aspire to play in one day. There are often many elementary school or younger kids that come out to watch and it is cool to see them take an interest in the sport,” said Perkins.
The senior girls have a couple more tournaments and then will play at regionals in Moose Jaw on Nov. 7 and 8.
Estevan has won five of the eight editions of the Co-op Challenge. The competition was launched in 2016, and Weyburn won it the first two years and three of the first four. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge returned in 2022, and Estevan has won each time.
The Estevan games were also a fundraiser for the Salvation Army’s food bank. Non-perishable items and monetary donations were accepted. The cash donations will be matched by the co-op.
