Northern Chill win gold at season opening tourney

Coach Carly Santi could not have drawn up the game plan much better than this.

Competing in their first OVA (Ontario Volleyball Association) tournament of the season in Orillia, the Northern Chill 15U Girls dropped only two sets, in total, capturing gold with a three-set win over the North Bay Vision in the final.

It was the second time, during the day, that the Sudbury lasses had beaten their North Bay rivals. After besting the Orillia Suns Eclipse 14U crew in straight sets (25-11, 25-20) to open play, the Chill secured first place in their pool, upending the Vision 25-17, 25-21.

Their 2-0 record advanced the Northern Chill ladies on to quarter-final action, where they bounced the Georgian Bay Vista 25-21, 25-12. Dealing with adversity for the first time, the Chill refocused, posting a come-from-behind 14-25, 25-18, 15-11 triumph over the Barrie Georgian Cubs - White.

On to the championship final, where the North Bay Vision had clearly taken notes on their earlier loss. The end result was a highly entertaining 25-22, 22-25, 15-9 win for the Sudbury representatives, much to the delight of coach Santi.

"This weekend, the girls played as a true team, and were rewarded with a gold medal," said the Chill alumnus.

"Geneviève Gauthier stepped up this weekend as our defensive force, while new addition Ryann Hudson was a powerhouse at the net."

The balance of the Northern Chill 15U girls roster includes Mallory Frantz, Jaime Schweyer, Milenna Gigliotti, Sydney Koehler, Erin Gaffney, Dara Desrochers, Jayden Rivers, Isabella Adams, Isabelle Moreau and Kate Dugdale.

Joining Santi on the sidelines were assistant coaches Vanessa Chorkawy and James Schweyer, as well as manager Cori Dugdale. The locals now advance to the Championship Division when the Challenge Cup tournaments are hosted on Saturday, Dec. 12.

This coming weekend will be a busy one for many of the remaining Chill teams, with the 14U girls heading to North Bay, the 16U squad off to Thornhill (Championship Central East Division), while the 18U ladies are in Barrie for Provincial Cup action.