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Carlton volleyball teams heading to big Alberta tournament

Oct 6, 2016 | 12:00 PM

The senior volleyball teams from Prince Albert’s Carlton High School are gearing-up to play against top squads in western Canada.

The Crusaders are headed to Spruce Grove Oct. 7 to 8 to play in the Panther International Tournament. Senior boys’ coach Curtis Bender said his crew plays better against the tough teams.

“It’s a good gauge to see where you are at, because a lot of times you play the same old teams in Saskatchewan. It’s good to see how you fare against the really good competition,” he said.

Big tournaments can mean big opportunities for the 25 Carlton players as they get a chance to demonstrate their skill in front of post-secondary talent scouts.

“Our team is looking really good so far. We were in the U of S tournament this past weekend. It had 21 teams in it and we got second,” senior girls’ coach Brooke Dallyn said.

Tayler Milligan, in Grade 12, said he doesn’t worry about getting scouted at the tournament.

“You don’t know which ones they are,” he explained. “You’ve just got to play your best and hope it turns out for your benefit.”

Tournaments also give the teams a chance to become closer with each other, which often translates into better performances on the court. Grade 12 player Shelby Fisher, will be playing in her fourth Panther International this week.

“I think the chemistry off the court really helps the chemistry on the court,” she said. “It helps the communication and everything like that. It just ties it together.”

The St. Mary’s boys and girls teams are both attending hte event.

 

taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca