U17 Bluewater Ballistix boys volleyball team ends season with silver at Ontario championships

The Under-17 (U17) Bluewater Ballistix boys volleyball team, competing in the Ontario Volleyball Association, concluded its season with a remarkable performance at the provincial championships held at RIM Park in Waterloo on the weekend.

Among 24 contenders, the boys distinguished themselves by securing a Division 2 Tier 1 silver medal after a series of nine intense matches spanning three days.

Their journey to success included a memorable victory in pool play against the second-ranked Peterborough club, clinching a Tier 1 playoff spot with a thrilling 39-37 win. Another stand-out moment came in the semi-finals, where they triumphed over the undefeated Ottawa Mavericks in an exhilarating 18-16 deciding set, sealing their place on the podium.

The team's training regimen, primarily based at Kincardine District Senior School, with additional sessions in Chesley and Hanover, undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional performance. Additionally, the recent addition of volleyball courts at Station Beach in Kincardine, has provided invaluable opportunities for the athletes to develop year-round, with access to leagues and clinics that enhance their skills and versatility on the sand.

The Bluewater Ballistix Volleyball Club celebrates its first expansion year with a total of 11 club teams, up from three teams last year, spanning ages U13 to U18 for both male and female players.

Moreover, volleyball is experiencing a surge in popularity in the area, and a win like this has firmly placed the Bluewater Ballistix Volleyball Club on the map, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the local volleyball scene. The club's roster includes athletes from all over Grey, Bruce and Huron counties.

The season for the Bluewater Ballistix Volleyball Club typically kicks off with try-outs in September, and runs through to May.



The U17 Bluewater Ballistix boys volleyball team includes; in the back, coach Trent Devitt (left) of Kincardine, Dante Gagliardi of Priceville, Logan Antler-Lake of Kincardine, Silas Carr of Kincardine, Torran Stinson of Kincardine, Caleb Wightman of Owen Sound, Ty Sielierzycki of Owen Sound, and coach Jamie Shewfelt of Kincardine; and in the front, Jad El Hajj (left) of Kincardine, Bruce Aranjo of Kincardine, Jackson Gordon of Owen Sound, Neil Gilchrist of Owen Sound, and Cameron Besito of Saugeen Shores; photo courtesy of Trent Devitt