Subzero Volleyball Club hosted its 2nd Annual Youth Beach Tournament #1, on Saturday at the Ghùch Tlâ Community School beach volleyball courts, in Carcross. Twenty athletes aged 12-16 participated in the one-day event. The timing corresponded with the end of the summer program’s first five-week session. It provided players with an opportunity to put their skills and game strategies to the test in competition and parents showed their continued support by coming out to cheer on the kids. 

Division 1 winners Darwin Murray and Liam Milford had previous experience, having played together in last year’s tournament. Division 2 winners Armand Guilbeault and Jacob Luciano, new to the beach game, were two of the youngest competitors.

Five women’s and six men’s teams participated in the 17U+ Adult Tournament on Sunday. Despite adverse conditions with strong winds off Bennett Lake, play went on. Four 16/17U teams played against the more experienced adults. Much was learned about the game, especially in terms of playing with wind. There were lots of excellent rallies and though it was a fun tournament, teams played with a competitive spirit.

Tournament winners Channelle Friesen and Greta Corrente (Italy) went undefeated in the five-team Women’s Division, as did Angus Clarke and Arcel Siosan who won the six-team Men’s Division. Other than the Italians, all the winners were from the Yukon.

The players made this event a success and everyone seemed to have a great time. Experiencing game play on real sand, from the Carcross area, was a real treat. Many rallies involved ball pursuit and having a soft sand landing helped players with this important aspect of the game.

Subzero would like to thank Tait’s Custom Trailer Sales for providing first place finish prizes and all participants, as well as their families, for travelling to Carcross to participate.

Thank you to the Carcross Recreation Board for building the courts and opening them to the public. Subzero’s summer offering wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated beach coaches; thank you coaches Channelle, Caroline, Frank, Katelyn, and Taylor.

Since moving to a year-round club in 2020/21, Subzero has been able to add beach volleyball programming which includes tournaments. Plans are in the works for a second tournament later in the summer.

– Submitted by Caroline Holway