For those who will graduate in June, they went out on top. Those who will move from the junior varsity ranks to the varsity game next year will have big shoes to fill.
It was a season to remember for the Gilbert Plains Trojans varsity girls' volleyball team as they once again won a provincial championship. Leading up to the provincial tournament, the Trojans won three tournaments, their own, one in Hamiota, and another in Dauphin at the DRCSS.
While they did not win the Neelin DIG tournament, it was one of the team's most impressive tournaments of the season. They went up against some of the best teams in the province and even took a set off the number-one ranked AAAA team in Manitoba. That's a feat that rarely happens, and the Trojans did it. They ended up in that tournament as the consolation champions and cruised at a provincial qualifier to earn their spot in the big dance with three straight-set victories.
"This group has a core group of grade 12 girls that have been playing together since grade 9 and they play so well together," said Jody Smelski-Jubenvill. "Our younger players have come in and stepped up and everyone came together so well. Everyone on this team played a role, regardless if they were starters or coming off the bench."
As Gilbert Plains moved into the provincials over the weekend at Baldur and Cartwright School, it was smooth sailing to start. They finished first in their round-robin pool with straight-set wins over Hamiota, Baldur/Cartwright, Miami, and Rivers.
The playoffs got a little rocky for Gilbert Plains, however, they were undeterred. After a three-set win against Morweena, it was an all-Parkland battle as Gilbert Plains went up against their region rival Ste. Rose Celtics.
The Celtics had been one of the top teams in the province all season and it was an epic clash between the two teams. After losing the first set 19-25, the Trojans responded winning two straight 25-12 and 15-8.
"I think our whole team was more emotional than they were after the final, it was a relief knowing we were one step closer," said Smelski-Jubenvill. "It was an extremely emotional game for our group to be a part of. Great that we came out on top."
Just like they had lost the opening set against Ste. Rose, Gilbert Plains lost the first set against Reston. They took over from there winning two straight sets 25-11 and 15-10. The Trojans were once again crowned provincial champions.
Dating back to junior varsity, this team has won four straight provincial championships. The team's roster includes Aynslee Beckley, Kathryn Gulak, Anika Gulenchin, Brooke Hanke, Montana Jubenvill, Baylee McNabb, Layne Minshull, Nevaeh Payne, Karlee Paziuk, Trinity Puchailo, Kali Solski, and Taylor Yaciuk.
Gulenchin, Hanke, Jubenvill, Payne, Paziuk, Puchailo, and Solski all played their final games while the remainder of the team will return next season looking to make it five straight.
As another volleyball season came to a close, Jody was so proud of the group and how they dug in deep to get the job done.
"These girls deserve it, they have put in so much time," ended Smelski-Jubenvill. "They are very passionate and this was our main goal, it's amazing to see them get it done again. Everyone stepped up and should be so proud of themselves."
