Winning was something they had become used to.
The Parkland Vipers 15U volleyball team's season ended over the weekend. The Vipers' resume this season included a pair of bronze medal finishes in tournament play.
There were two possible outcomes for the team in those bronze medal matches. Win and finish on the podium. Lose and settle for a fourth-place finish. The Vipers dug deep and made Amber Percival a very proud coach.
"The guys were all so excited about that," said Percival. "Those wins boosted our confidence throughout the year."
The test at the national tournament was like nothing Parkland had experienced in the past. The best teams from coast to coast under one roof. They lost in straight sets against the CVC Kodiaks in their first match. The Vipers forced a third set against the North Shore Stars next, coming up just short.
The Vipers then earned their first win, a three-set thriller over the Brooks Rush Volleyball Club. The Vipers then ran into some incredible competition. They battled hard and executed flawlessly at times, forcing a third set in their next three matches. Ultimately, it wasn't to be. The Vipers lost three straight and entered the playoff round in tier 21.
Again, finding themselves in a three-set match, this time, it was the Vipers that came out on top. They won back-to-back matches in three sets, against the Everton Lions and West Volleyball. Their victory against West Volleyball catapulted the team to the national championship match.
"It was great, it's all we could have asked for. Even if we didn't make the final, we would have been so proud of how far they have come this year," continued Percival. "They really came together. Sean Rea and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end our season."
A national title was on the line. It was the 15U Vipers against the Brooks Rush. Parkland beat Brooks in pool play. This time, it was the other way around. Brooks won the match in two sets, 28-26, 25-22. Brooks were crowned national champions. The Parkland Vipers, meanwhile, did an incredible job of battling adversity and getting better throughout the weekend.
They earned the right to compete for a national title. While their journey came short, they're national silver medallists and thrilled to be home with medals around their necks.
"I know the girls were a little disappointed that we didn't finish off with the gold," ended Percival. "It was a tight game, back and forth. It could have gone either way. I couldn't be prouder of this team for bringing a medal home. The girls' courage and determination shone brightly during the national tournament."
The Vipers may have fallen just short of gold, but they finished the season as champions in every way that matters.
