03/31/2026
Barrhead Knights 17U Girls – Premier 3 Tournament Recap 🏐🥉
The Barrhead Knights 17U Girls headed into Premier 3 already facing adversity, stepping onto the court with a small roster of just 8 players. Early in our first pool play match, we were dealt another tough blow when one of our middles went down with an injury that sidelined her for the remainder of the weekend (and hopefully not longer). This left us battling with just 7 players.
In true volleyball community spirit, Volleyball Alberta approved a late roster addition, allowing one of our 15U athletes to step in, borrowing shoes, knee pads, and a jersey to support the team when needed.
Despite the challenges, the Knights battled hard through pool play, finishing 3rd and landing on the blue side, just short of our goal of qualifying for Division 2 Provincials. But this group didn’t let that define their weekend.
The team came out strong in playoffs, earning a big first-round win to advance to the semifinals. In what should have been a great battle, the semifinal unfortunately became overshadowed by inconsistent officiating. It was a difficult match, and even the opposing coach acknowledged afterward that the outcome would have been different with fair officiating, something that was tough to hear, but a testament to how hard our girls competed.
Heading into the bronze medal match, the team kept their heads high and their focus strong. With another underage player stepping in, the roster grew to 9, though 3 of those athletes were not originally on our team, including two Grade 8/9 players. Of our lineup, only one athlete was truly 17U eligible, with the rest made up of 16U and younger players who don’t typically play together.
And still…..they battled.
Every loss this weekend came against teams that finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in the black division and we pushed those teams to three sets. That alone speaks volumes.
Through adversity, injuries, borrowed players, and tough circumstances, this group showed incredible grit, resilience, sportsmanship, and team morale. Bringing home a bronze medal is something to be proud of, but more than that, this team proved their heart.
We couldn’t be more proud. Congratulations, girls! 💛🖤
