Another fantastic season of Volleyball for Columba College thanks to a large group of dedicated coaches, managers, players, parents, friends, supporters and whānau! The sport is growing in momentum across the region and proving to be an extremely positive activity option for our Rangatahi.

Last Friday marked the end of the spirited term 3-4 volleyball season for both our Junior and Middles teams. Once again, a number of Columba teams gave standout performances, proudly securing commendable positions in their respective tournaments.

Junior League

The overwhelming force of the Columba Junior A team continued their dominance in the premier division by taking down a strong Bayfield team in the final. The final score was 3 sets to 0. The team had already won after the first two sets but continued playing the third set simply for their love of the game. This win added to their already illustrious season in which they won the Otago tournament and came 4th in the South Island tournament. The Junior A team was coached by Columba students, Ryan and Lucy, with support from Ryan’s Dad, Brett.

An honourable mention goes to the exuberant Columba Navy team, coached by Columba students, Kayla and Sophie. This team showed great commitment to the sport, as well as significant improvement through the season to ultimately finish 3rd in division 2. Several players were also instrumental in supporting the Junior A team by covering when players were unavailable.

Final Division Standings

Premier Division: Columba Junior A = 1st

Division 2: Columba Navy = 3rd

Division 3: Columba Green = 4th; Columba Bronze = 5th

Division 4: Columba Pink = 2nd

Division 5: Columba Orange = 3rd

Middles League

Columba was also dominant in the A division of the Middles league. The Spikers finished their extremely strong season with a win over the Tahuna Intermediate Funky Monkeys in 2 sets to 1. This team was initially coached by Columba Students Phoebe and Tayla; however, Columba Parent, Carla, stepped in to take over the team once the students had graduated and left Dunedin. The Spikers have shown great mahi all season and were very deserving of their success.

An honourable mention goes to the Columba Year 7 team, the Stars. This team was coached by another Columba Parent, Pelu, and they showed great commitment, discipline, and enthusiasm for the sport in their first year of play. Competing in the A division, the Stars did extremely well to place 4th overall. We expect big things from this young group in the future!

Division A

Columba Spikers = 1st

Columba Stars = 4th

Division B

Columba Diggers = 5th

Columba Rockets = 7th

Division C

Columba Comets = 7th

Throughout the season, all of our teams and players represented the school with grace, good discipline, and great sportswomanship. The Columba teams had a large support network about them, and this support made the season possible. A huge thank you goes out to all our student and parent coaches, whānau and friends, who supported the teams and players, and to our hard-working kaimahi who keep everything running smoothly.

We are looking forward to next season!