McMath Wildcats have repeated as Richmond Junior Girls Volleyball champions after roaring back to hand the McRoberts Strikers their first loss of the season to a city opponent.
The Wildcats dropped the opening set 25-14 then proceeded to win the next three — 25-17, 25-22 and 25-15. It was the first time the two teams had met since the Strikers had pulled out a five-set victory back on Sept. 27. They proceeded to go 7-0 in league play, while McMath would not lose again.
The Wildcats defeated Boyd and Burnett in straight sets to reach the final, while McRoberts got by McNair (3-0) and MacNeill (3-1).
Both teams advance to Wednesday’s Vancouver and District Championships which is taking place at McRoberts. Action gets underway at 3 p.m. and the final takes place at 6:30 p.m.
The eight-team tournament also includes Burnett thanks to a 3-0 win over McNeill to finish third. The top three will advance to provincials.
The Wildcats are led by setters: Maia Badyal, and Jacqueline Gabaldon; middle blockers: Tamara Boucher, Elizabeth Kennedy, Regan Gibson; and the hard spiking talents of Emma Lo Jennifer Lum, Maddi Elcombe, and Caitlin Bradley-Tse. Great defensive play is provided by Megan Man, Carmen Marshall, and standout libero Madeline Gillis.
The team is coached by Nav Badyal and Paige Pfortmueller.
