The St. Clair women's volleyball team swept Algonquin Saturday afternoon in their cross-over playoff match 3-0 and qualify for the OCAA Final 8 championship tournament. "It was a clean match so I was really happy." said rookie setter Emma Clements.
2nd year outside hitter Kiana Huggins led St. Clair with 11 kills and 11 digs. Rookie middle Geneva Huisman had 10 kills and two stuff blocks. 2nd year libero Mikayla Stocks was strong defensively with 12 digs.
St. Clair advances after missing out on last year's tournament. The Saints were knocked out in the qualifying round at home by Niagara. "For our program I want to get back there. We feel that's where we belong." said head coach Jimmy El-Turk. "Now it's survive and advance. You gotta play your best."
The Saints will face Seneca in the opening match of the Final 8 tournament Thursday afternoon. St. Clair is ranked 4th in the province while Seneca checks in at #5. "We're gonna have to play really well." Said El-Turk. "This time of year it's less about the x's and o's. Sometimes it's more about our mentality and our mental toughness when it's 20-all. Hopefully we're tough." El-Turk said.
Check out the reel from Saturday qualifying match and interviews. We'll have more coverage in the days leading up to the provincials.