The Southpointe Academy Titans have the bigger picture in mind when it comes to competing in the new Sur-Del Tier One Girls League.
The South Fraser Volleyball Commission is a reflection of the new B.C. School Sports zone of Delta, Surrey and Richmond schools, replacing the old and much larger Fraser Valley format.The organization created three tiers for Delta and Surrey girls teams to choose from — Premier, Tier One and Tier Two.
With less than 50 girls combined in Grades 11-12, the Titans are one of just two Single-A size teams competing in the zone. They also happened to be No. 10 in the recent rankings for the province’s smallest schools.
Regardless of how their run through the eight-team tier one league will go, the Titans will square off against Regent Christian Academy early next month for a trip to the Provincial “A” Championships in Castlegar.
Southpointe won’t even see Regent in regular season play as the Surrey opponent has opted for the tier two league. The steady diet of larger schools should not only serve the Titans well for the one game playoff but potentially at provincials too.
They slipped to 0-2 in league play with a three-set lost to the Delta Pacers on Monday night in Ladner.
“Thats why we opted to play tier one. To get use to the tempo and discipline with our blocking and defence where in years, past tier two you get by then get to a meaningful game, the girls weren’t able to perform at a faster pace,” explained fifth-year coach Michaela Staller.
The Titans welcomed back five starters from last year’s squad that finished 11th at provincials.
“We have six new additions so it’s a blend of the old and new and gelling as a team,” continued Staller. “Just getting used to the new rotation, roles and responsibilities that come with that.”
As for the Pacers, they are 2-0 out of the gate after an earlier straight set win over Sullivan Heights.
They will be headed to the AAA tier playoffs where the team to beat is expected to be the McRoberts Strikers, currently ranked among in the top 10 province. They play in an all-Richmond League that should include two more competitive teams in McMath and Steveston-London.
The seven-team South Fraser Premier League features five AAAA schools — Earl Marriott, South Delta, Semiahmoo, Elgin Park and Seaquam — along wth AA perennial powerhouses Pacific Academy and Surrey Christian. The Sun Devils are No. 10 in the latest provincial rankings.
