The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Clarenville Middle School Tigers win third provincial boys bantam volleyball title

Following round robin play in the eight team/ two division championship hosted at the Clarenville Middle School Complex, Division A saw Mount Pearl 1st (3-0), Clarenville Tigers 2nd (2-1),
Immaculate Conception, Bell Island 3rd (1-2) and Presentation Jr. High, Corner Brook 4th (0-3). 

In Division B Roncalli Cardinals finished 1st (3-0), Catalina Panthers 2nd (2-1), L.P. Purchase Academy, Botwood 3rd (1-2) and Beaconsfield Jr. High, St. John's 4th (0-3)

In quarter final action Mount Pearl advanced defeating Beaconsfield (25-18, 25-14), Roncalli defeated Presentation (25-14, 25-14), Clarenville advanced against L.P. Purchase (25-6, 25-12) and Catalina defeated Bell Island in straight sets (25-19, 25-19) to move on to the semis.

Semi-final action saw the Clarenville Tigers strong offensive effort pull out the win defeating Roncalli High in three sets (25-16, 20-25, 15-5) to advance to the gold medal round. Catalina showed strong team play and determination defeating Mount Pearl (25-18, 25-14)

The bronze medal match proved to be a barn burner as Mount Pearl squeaked out the win over Roncalli High in three sets (25-16, 23-25 and 16-14). Clarenville went to a strong attack and forced the win against Catalina in straight sets (25-17, 25-22) to claim the victory in this year's bantam championship. 

Noel Lilly, official chair, NLVA presented the gold, silver and bronze medal awards at the closing ceremonies. The most spirited player of the tournament was S. Crowley from Roncalli High. Lilly commented on the professional way that the officials (referees and score keepers) conducted themselves throughout the two days of competition. 

Rod Nicholl coach of the Clarenville Tigers commented on the excellent team effort shown by the members of his squad. "We were exactly were we wanted to be in terms of our training," Nicholl remarked. "Our players responded extremely well to each and every game situation. The victory did not come easy, especially losing the first match of the tournament to Mount Pearl and having two other matches go to the third set, but our players responded positively and they stayed focused. I want to thank the NLVA , tournament sponsors Browning Harvey, officials and all players and coaches who displayed excellent sportsmanship during the event.

Any further information may be obtained by calling the NLVA at (709) 576-0817.

2001 03 26                               11:40 a.m.