November 16th was an historic night for the OVS Panthers as they took to the court in the Panther Den aiming to win not one, but TWO Divisional Volleyball League titles. Both the boys and girls teams had enjoyed a low stress semi-finals the previous evening to advance to the championship round where their biggest test of the season was waiting. It was never going to be easy for either team as both squads were faced with extremely difficult opponents. Adding to the pressure was the fact that both teams had completed league play with undefeated records and were looking to complete the difficult task of running the table to win the title.
The girls took to the court first in their royal blue uniforms at 4:00 pm. Their opponents, the LVS Voyageurs, were the only team to have defeated the Panthers throughout the year. OVS had dropped a 2-1 in decision in a pressure-packed final at the LVS tournament in October but the Panthers had roared back to take both regular season meetings between the teams. The drama was only intensified by the fact that OVS was defending their title on home turf with a boisterous crowd on hand expecting a Panthers victory. As a very ill coach Patterson watched from the sidelines, LVS came out with guns a-blazing and attacked the net aggressively to open an early lead. After a slightly jittery start the Panthers began to claw their way back into the set by returning some difficult LVS serves and a run of points saw them grab a lead in the game and then hold on for a tough 25-21 victory and a 1-0 lead. Needing only one more set to complete their title defense the Panthers roared out of the gate in the second set and cruised to a 25-19 victory.
It was an outstanding match full of long, exciting rallies that really deserved two winners. Both teams were wiped out at the end of the match but displayed tremendous sportsmanship and effort right to the final point. Congratulations to LVS on an excellent season and a great final!
fresh off the girls title win the Panthers boys took to the court looking to end a 21 year championship drought. The 1990-91 Panthers had claimed OVS last boys banner in any sport and the 2011 team was aiming to join them in style by finishing off a perfect season. Their opponents from EAMS were intent on playing spoiler and came out flying as they dominated the net play in the early going and forced the Panthers onto the defensive. OVS grabbed the upper hand as the set progressed however by slowing their play down and matching EAMS aggression at the net. A run of points midway through the set proved to be key as EAMS staged a furious rally late but OVS were able to hold on to a 25-22 victory.
Being one set away from winning it all seemed to spur on the Panthers early and they jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the second set. With EAMS seemingly on the ropes they called a time-out and responded with six unanswered points of their own to bring the match back to life. The Panthers called a time-out of their own however, and it seemed to settle their nerves as they turned the tables and rode some strong serving and excellent passing to a 25-19 win and an OVS sweep of the Divisional banners! It was an exciting moment when Mr. McDonald handed out the banner to OVS for the first time in over two decades!
A big congratulations must go out to the coaches, players and parents of the Panthers. They displayed tremendous character, commitment, dedication and teamwork throughout the season. In the end they were rewarded for their incredible hard work.
GO PANTHERS!
