Serving Up Success at the Brentwood Classic

26 October 2024Ruby M, Mack '25

The leaves have begun to fall, the air has turned crisp, and the Wheaton Gym has been prepared for a weekend of thrill. The Senior A Volleyball team is ready to serve their best at this year’s Brentwood Classic. 

The nerves are palpable as the teams began to arrive on this afternoon. Many have traveled to Mill Bay from all over the Island and the Mainland to engage in the competitive weekend ahead. Coach and Head of Volleyball, Ms Jill Fougner, shares that she is “Thrilled to have 16 amazing teams out showcasing their talent”. 

The Brentwood team began their weekend with a bang, sweeping the competition and the spectators away. They faced off against Campbell River’s Timberline Wolves first, and although with a slightly rocky first set, only narrowly winning by 3 points, the team eventually took it away in the second with a 25-8 win. This boosted their confidence and led them through the rest of the day. 

Up next was the showdown against Belmont. Once again, the team just pulled away in the first set with a 26-24 win. Although, in true Brentwood fashion, the team came back with more energy, passion, and commitment leading them to a convincing 25-9 victory. 

Finally, Brentwoods journey to clinching first in their pool came down to one moment: an intense match against Oak Bay. The team came into this game confident and Brynn W, Mack ‘25, described the energy as “electric”. The first set was a nail-biter, with a slight five-point win. Yet, they were not going down without a fight and eventually blew them away in the second set with their talent and grit – ending day one strong and looking forward to the playoffs. 

Spirits were high on day two as the team prepared for the quarterfinal match against their Island rivals, Nanaimo District Secondary School. Despite playing many times this season, they never fail to put up a good fight – Brentwood just fought that much harder. The first set was exhilarating, finishing with a 25-23 win. The second set took much more determination from the team, with major contributions from Ella W, Mackenzie ‘25 who played an outstanding offensive game, resulting in a 25-18 win. 

The team was now set to play in the semifinals facing off against Oak Bay again. They came into this match with pure confidence and that was definitely shown. A strong start in the first set led them to a convincing 25-9 win. Stella P, Alexandra ‘25 began the second set with a dominant serving run – what she does best. This set the tone for the rest of the game, and Brentwood earned their fifth win of the weekend. 

Anticipation filled the crowd as our team was about to play in the Brentwood Classic final for the first time in eight years. While already a major accomplishment, this team was determined to walk out with the gold and take down their opponents, G.W. Graham. The first set came down to the wire, but just slipped out of reach with a 23-25 loss. Fiona C, Hope ‘25 kept the energy high heading into the second with her defensive pursuits. While so close, the team eventually came out of the match with a silver medal. 

Though they didn’t claim the title, their performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of spectacular. Their silver medal marks a triumphant return to the Brentwood Classic final after nearly a decade. 

Ruby M, Allard ‘25