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Later this month, the Gilbert Plains Trojans varsity girls' volleyball team will be looking to capture their fourth straight provincial title. 

The program's run is nothing short of extraordinary. The team will enter the provincials from November 28-30 as the province's top-ranked 'A' team. During the program's outstanding run, they swept Glenboro in last year's final with Hailey Tabak being named the tournament's most valuable player. That was the team's third straight provincial title after players on the team finished on top of the province at the junior varsity provincials the previous two years before that. 

At the 2022/23 season's junior varsity event, Gilbert Plains swept Rosenort to win gold. The year before that, Anika Gulenchin was named the tournament's most valuable player as the Trojans beat Gabrielle-Roy in three sets to claim provincial glory.

Last year's junior varsity team did not qualify for the provincials, but they're back this year and ready to make some noise. The junior varsity program has had an incredible season led by head coach Renee Minshull. 

"We have a super strong group of girls that are great teammates," said Minshull. "They encourage each other all the time. We had a super busy season and they battled through some injuries. We played a lot, it has been a great season to date.

The team's roster includes Paige Hanke, Tiana Sanko, Tori Luhowy, Connelly McDonald, Taedyn Solski, Kolby Kuzuchar, and Peyton Ash. 

"Watching them play well and be on top of their game is very impressive," continued Minshull. "At our last practice before heading to Winnipeg, we focused on staying positive and moving forward with the momentum that we've built."

The Trojans played in five tournaments this season, capturing titles in Elton, Ste. Rose, and Hamiota. In tournament play this season, Gilbert Plains won 44 of the 57 sets it played and 65 of the 86 sets it played overall. 

Needing to put together a string of solid performances at the zone championships, the Trojans beat Glenella, Ste. Rose, and Goose Lake of Roblin, all in straight sets. Those performances clinched the team's return to the provincial event.

The team is off to Manitoba's capital to compete in the A/AA event at Immanuel Christian School. Being one of the top teams in the province, the Trojans have been placed in a power pool alongside Gabrielle-Roy, Wawanesa, and Warren. 

The tournament opens Thursday and a provincial champion will be crowned on Saturday afternoon.

"Our round-robin will be very challenging but we have a strategy and plan of attack," offered Minshull. "Once we get into the playoffs, I know the girls will be able to keep it going. We're looking forward to competing, I'm very proud of the group and know how much they want this."