After a tough first up loss, against Palmerston North Girls High, the Manawatu Open Volleyball competition this weekend looked ominous for the Cornerstone Senior Girls Volleyball team. As the smallest school at the competition, Captain Jessica Beere, insisted on more diligence from her team moving forward. At the end of pool play, Cornerstone had won the rest of their games, not dropping a single set.
In the Semi-Finals Cornerstone faced Whanganui High School, in a close game. The Whanganui girls were relentless, however thanks to some great touches from Cornerstone star, and Manawatu Rep Chandre Pienaar, the team again won in straight sets.
The Final was against first round opponent, Palmerston North Girls High School. After five games in two days, the team were noticeably tired, however Cornerstone emerged victorious in straight sets to win the tournament.
“Thanks to Mr Jayasuriya for pushing us at our 7am and 3:30pm practices”, Jessica said. “Also thanks to Jessica’s Mum for feeding us all the food!” contributed a number of her team mates.
The Cornerstone Boys Volleyball team also acquitted themselves well against much larger schools, finishing fourth in their tournament.