The varsity boy's volleyball team at Portage Collegiate Institute (PCI) has made significant strides this season, according to head coach Stephanie Brown. After facing early challenges in the competitive Tier One division of the Winnipeg Athletic Conference, the team has begun to gel, culminating in a remarkable victory over league rival Fort Richmond Collegiate (FRC) at a recent tournament held at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate in Winnipeg.
Brown, expressed pride in her players’ resilience this season.
"It's been a harder tier for us, but we've pulled off a huge win against a team we hadn't beaten in five years," she said, referencing the notable achievement against FRC, currently ranked third in the league.
The roster features a blend of talent, including three Grade 12 players: returning players Kade Friesen and Tennyson Verwey, alongside Zuba Ghitale.
"Zuba brings the hype and team spirit, while Kade, our libero, and Tennyson, a middle hitter, provide strong leadership and defensive skills," Brown noted. The team also includes promising younger players, including Grade 9 Hunter Raymack.
Looking ahead, the Trojans are gearing up for a busy schedule with a home game against league leaders Vincent Massey and a home tournament this weekend.
"We're excited to build on our recent success and give top teams a run for their money."
As the season nears its conclusion, Coach Brown emphasized the importance of teamwork and the collective effort from her coaching staff, Jalen Brown and Devlin Craik, who have been instrumental in guiding the players.
With determination and newfound confidence, the Trojans are looking forward to making the most of the remainder of their season.