Kelowna Volleyball Club’s 18U and 17U boys volleyball teams geared up for a Super Series event this past weekend against 16 other top teams from across the province.

The Super Series event is one of a trio of events hosted over a three month period and the KVC 18U KaPow! Team – comprised of all-star athletes from George Elliot Secondary School, Mount Boucherie Secondary School, Okanagan Mission Secondary School and Summerland Secondary School – had gold in their sights as the series came to a close.

KaPow! Finished second in their tournament pool, falling just behind the second ranked Fraser Valley Volleyball Club (FVVC).

KVC’s 18U KaPow! team, led by Coach Paul Thiessen, lived up to their name in the first two rounds of play, edging out Air Attack Black and the Prince George Kodiaks out of the competition with a bang, eliminating them in straight sets to move onto the semi-finals.

Their momentum held strong through the semi-finals as they dethroned last year’s champions, the Seaside 18U squad in a tight 2-1 victory.

Photo Credit: KVC KaPow!

“We really pushed hard as we fell way behind early in the match and learned an important lesson to keep fighting and stay in the battle with spirit and determination,” said Thiessen about the match.

KaPow! entered into the finals matched against the FVVC squad, who had taken first in their pool and it appeared the KV squad wasn’t looking to be put back in second place.

The team came out in force. Setter Kyle Butterworth showed off his accuracy to connect with middle hitters Kevin Jacklin and Tom Parish who put the ball where it belonged. KaPow! finished the opening frame with a score of 25-19.

KaPow!’s second set was a tight, teeter-totter-styled bout between the two heavyweights, finally finishing with a game-winning kill from Roan McCarthy to the tune of 27-25 for the KVC squad.

KVC’s Super Series event victory is a first for Head Coach Thiessen in his 15 years coaching the club, who has taken second, third and fourth in past years.

“To win one this early in the season is a great sign for this team," Thiessen said.