The Delta Pacers are Fraser Valley AAA boys volleyball champions for the first time in 17 years.
The Ladner high school capped a magical week with a thrilling come-from-behind, five-set victory over the Earl Marriott Mariners last Friday night in South Surrey.
The Pacers now head to the upcoming B.C. “AAA” Championships (Nov. 29 to Dec. 2) with loads of momentum and will be the No. 2 seed at the tournament. Delta has been placed in a pool for round-robin play with Mt. Baker, Oak Bay and Earl Marriott.
The Valley final featured two of the top four ranked teams in the province but the No. 2 Mariners were considered the decisive favourite. The Pacers had gone winless against their Fraser Valley West League rival this season, including a lopsided regular season loss back in early October. However, the No. 4 ranked team had played Marriott tough in recent encounters, including the league seeding tournament two weeks ago.
That set the stage for a terrific final.
Delta took the opening set (25-21) but the Mariners answered by winning the next two (25-23, 25-19). With their backs now against the wall, the Pacers pulled out a 26-24 win to extend the match then captured the decisive set 15-13.
The post-season run is a sharp contrast to a year ago when Delta was also among the province’s top ranked teams but stumbled in consolation play at the Valleys after a heartbreaking semi-final loss to Semiahmoo and ended up sixth. That resulted in a 15th seeding at provincials and ultimately a 10th-place finish.
“This feels great. Obviously it’s nice to get some redemption for last year but it’s even nicer to know just how well the boys are playing right now,” said head coach Carson Kauenhowen. “We have set ourselves up for success at provincials and that’s the next challenge. The boys should be proud of what they have accomplished.”
The potential of this group was evident two years ago with a sixth-place finish at the provincial junior championships. The tournament was not tiered and featured only the best teams in B.C.
Seniors Markus Niebuhr, Evan Hixt and Ryan MacKenzie saw considerable floor time last season and were joined by a pair of standout Grade 11s, Jagger Schurman and Gavin Payne.
Schurman has spent much of his career, including club volleyball with Seaside, playing middle blocker. Kauenhowen recently moved him to right side and Delta suddenly has one of the most dangerous power hitters in the province.
“It’s really impressive to see the level he is performing on the right side of the court,” added Kauenhowen. “Quote on a quote, he is a really ‘big asset’ at the net and even energy that he brings when he is on top of his game.”
Niebuhr was named tournament MVP, while Payne was named as a tournament all-star.
The Pacers set the tone for their memorable run with a pair of impressive wins on home court. They took care of Fraser Heights (25-16, 25-18, 25-13) in the quarterfinals.
It was also a convincing victory in the semifinals against Elgin Park. After a close opening set (25-20), Delta pulled away to win the second game (25-18) and then won the clincher 25-11, powered by a 13-0 run to start the set.
“Obviously Ladner is a very tight knit community and the school is very tight knit too. It shows just with the energy in the gym and just how much fun this group has together. It’s fun to be part of,” added Kauenhowen.
Ashvin Bilga and William Khuu are also key players in the Pacers rotation. Their roster also features Sean Sasaki, Sam MacFarlane, Jaicob Hastings, Tyler Semler and Mike Kaardal.
