Two MSS teams qualify for Northern Ontario championship
M’CHIGEENG—The Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS) Mustangs senior girls’ volleyball team were crowned as the North Shore Secondary School Athletics (NSSSA) champions for the second consecutive year!
The Mustangs had finished first in the regular season standings and hosted the NSSSA playoffs last Wednesday at home, said Jordan Smith, MSS sports coordinator. In the semi-finals MSS went up against Jeunesse Nord (Blind River) winning in three straight games. In the other semi-final Espanola High School (EHS) defeated Elliot Lake Secondary School, also in three straight games.
In the finals MSS took the title over EHS, winning three games to one. “Despite some setbacks and ill team members the girls rallied to overcome their challenges and win back to back titles in front of the home town fans cheered on by a loud drum beat in the crowd,” said assistant coach Neil Debassige. “The girls jumped to a two-set head start, dropping the third set to the Spartans.”
“The Mustangs quickly regrouped, kept their momentum high and responded with blocks and big hits to bring the title home in the fourth set,” continued Mr. Debassige.
“Our girls decided that they want to go to the AA NOSSA (Northern Ontario Secondary School Athletics) championship which will take place at LaSalle Secondary School in Sudbury on February 21.
The Mustangs roster includes Ellie Hazlitt, Sadie Bridgeman, Addy Gray, Jordyn Holmes, Merissa McQuarrie, Emery Watson, Amy Smith, Mya Balfe, Aspen Debassige, Prestlyn Biederman, Harmony Panamick and coaches Tina Balfe and Neil Debassige.
MUSTANGS JUNIOR GIRLS GOING TO NOSSA
The MSS junior girls’ volleyball team has also qualified for NOSSA!
The Mustangs placed second in the regular season and won their semi-final series against EHS in the playoffs held at Central Algoma Secondary School (CASS) last Wednesday. CASS had defeated Jeunesse Nord in the semi-finals.
In the finals CASS defeated the Mustangs to win the NSSSA title.
However, with their silver medal finish MSS qualified for the NOSSA AA championship taking place on February 21 at LaSalle Secondary School in Sudbury.
The Mustangs roster includes Nayalah O’Connor, Maria Cheechoo, Kacy Lariviere, Arabella Otosquiob, Rowan Kasunich, Amber Brizula, Morgan Dedman, Brooklyn Ferguson, Corie Brown, Lexi Fisher, coaches Mel Cheng and Santana Francis.
