Cobras complete sweep of divisional volleyball banners

It's been a banner season for all four Cochrane High Cobras volleyball teams.

Last night, their senior girls and boys team won their respective divisional titles to make the Cobras the undisputed champs in Rocky View Sports leagues this season.

The Cobras senior girls fended off a tough W. H. Croxford Cavaliers to win their match in four sets. The Cobras struck first with a 25-18 win. The Cavaliers rebounded with a 25-22 win before the Cobras dug deep to win the next two by scores of 25-14 and 25-18.

The senior boys had an easier time with the Springbank Phoenix, winning in straight sets, 25-12, 25-16, and 25-9.

The week previous, the junior girls and boys team won their banners. All four teams were undefeated this season.

Kas Tremke, one of the Cobras senior girls captains, says they were expecting stiff competition from the Cavaliers.

"We did a lot better than last game against them. We were much more prepared. They came out strong, but so did we, and our energy just kept us going."

Cobras assistant coach Janette Solecki saluted the play of the Cavaliers.

"They were very strong tonight, and they were very strong in the regular season as well. They have a very good team, good attack, good serving, and overall just good gameplay. So, it was a well-thought-out match and I commend Croxford. They did an excellent job tonight."

Solecki has been coaching Cochrane High volleyball teams for 12 years now. Her daughter Faith is in grade 12, one of the team captains, and is one of three sisters who have played with Cobra volleyball teams over the years.

"We've had a lot of success and a lot of divisional and zone championships in the last few years. It's been so rewarding to work with these girls and see them push through the difficulties along the season, work on their skills and techniques, and to be rewarded at the end for all their hard work and efforts."

Trenke, who's in her last year with the Cobras, says it's been an awesome season.

"We came out strong at the start of the season, and we only continued to improve. It felt like we played a lot of games because we didn't play any last season. We missed out a lot last year, so it's nice to finish strong."

All four teams are now preparing for this weekend's ASAA South Central Zone championships. The senior girls are in Canmore, and both the junior and senior boys head to Strathmore. Cochrane High is hosting the junior girls' championship.

That will be the end of the road for the juniors, but for the seniors, it's a chance to qualify for the provincial championship tournament in Westlock, Nov. 25 to 27.

"That has been our goal for the season is to get to provincials and be successful," says Coach Solecki. "We hope that's in the cards."