M’CHIGEENG—The Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs senior girls’ volleyball team capped off a first-place finish in league standings with a championship win at the North Shore Secondary School Association (NSSSA) playdowns.
“Last week, MSS hosted the NSSSA playoff finals and won,” said Neil Debassige, who is co-coach of the team along with Tina Pennie-Balfe. “These student/athletes have dominated their North Shore play this year in undefeated fashion and won the NSSSA championship banner when they hosted the finals and defeated Jeunesse Nord in three straight sets.”
“The team went undefeated through league play during the regular season and playoffs, winning 14 straight games and the playoffs,” said Mr. Debassige.
Mr. Debassige noted, “earlier in the new year the team successfully defended their title at the Elliot Lake invitational tournament as well.”
The MSS team includes coaches Neil Debassige and Tina Pennie-Balfe and players Mya Balfe, Harmony Panamick, Emery Watson, Aspen Debassige, Morgan Green, Saraya Eshkawkogan, Mackenzie Green and Maren Kasunich.
“These girls are on top of their game,” said Mr. Debassige. “They set their sights last year that they wanted to qualify for the provincials this season. These girls are amazing ambassadors for MSS and are the next leaders.”
The MSS team was to take part in the Northern Ontario Secondary School (NOSSA) championships last Friday in Sault Ste. Marie.
