It was the last appearance for the players of the Senior A Girls Volleyball team at the Mainland Champs played 3,4 and 5 March at Pioneer Stadium in Christchurch.

After fighting through Division 3 a couple of years ago to gain promotion to Division 2 in this the premier volleyball tournament in the South Island (second only to the Nationals in terms of the level of competition with the best teams from Tasman, Canterbury and Otago all present), hopes were high for this group of girls who have played together for 4-5 years at Roncalli. Seasoned veterans Llewellah Priest, Olivia Clarkson, Dharma Brooks and Teisha Holden brought with them the experience of finishing 6th in the College's first appearance in Division 2 last year. Sarah Waldron and Sam Williamson brought a tenacity to the team and this group had finished a very creditable 3rd at the South Island Satellite Tournament in 2017. With the addition of Grace Rossborough from MVHS the team did not lack height in the front court.

Volleyball is a mental struggle where the impetus and momentum depends on focus and energy. On the first day some incredibly close results, with sets heading to the high 20s, saw us fall on the wrong side of the ledger and with some key points lost, so did the potential of the team to qualify for the semi finals. A little dispirited, despite winning sets from all teams and putting severe concerns in the minds of all opposition at one time or the other, the team lacked a little confidence at the end of day 1. A restful sleep in the dorm of Addington Prison (now the Jail Hostel Accommodation) saw the girls return revitalised and gain success that put them in the play off for 9th and 10th. 

Against volleyball powerhouse OGHS, the girls dominated the first two sets against their B team, returning to the form that has seem them dominate the Aoraki competition. However another crisis of confidence saw the momentum switch firmly in OGHS favour and we headed to a 5th set, first to 15. Inexplicably the girls found the form from the early sets wins and rightfully put paid to OGHS in a more consistent performance. A special thanks must go to Debbie Waldron who manged sustenance and helped Mr Jones endure the rollercoaster ride of a coach. 

The team now looks forward to wrapping up the Aoraki Friday night League after a crushing 3-0 performance over nearest rivals TGHS last night and onwards to the Aoraki Championships later in the month.