It was a weekend heavy with volleyball action as the Yukon high schools geared up for the upcoming season. The gyms at Vanier hosted the Grade 9-10 teams while the gym at F.H. Collins was split in two to accommodate the seniors.

The atmosphere at F.H. was electric. All the games drew fans lined along the side of the court; space was at a premium.

All games were 50 minutes, with the teams playing best of three matches in the time-frame.

There were no winners crowned, instead, it gave the coaches a chance to see their teams in competitive game action and to work out the kinks before the October start of Supervolley.

Making the trip to Whitehorse from Dawson City were the Robert Service School Knights senior teams.

Christine Heisler, head coach of the RSS girl’s team, said it was a good beginning to their year.

“It was our first tournament of the season and we’ve only had three practices,” said Heisler. “I think we faired pretty well out there. I’m pretty proud of the girls, they pushed hard today and won the last four sets that they played.”

All the players had the opportunity to compete in a meaningful way which meant all the players got valuable touches.

Heisler said the team had no goals heading into the Early Bird tournament.

“I honestly don’t think we had goals this time,” said Heisler. “We just wanted the season to start and get out there and fight hard. There are a lot of new girls working together this year so it’s been a mix-up. We are just having fun.”

High school sports will see a lot of turnover as students graduate. Heisler said the Knights are still building team chemistry.

“The girls haven’t played together for a while, it’s a new mix of girls so trying to get our chemistry down. They looked like they were having a good time out there so it’s awesome.”

Heisler said the team didn’t show their whole hand at the tournament. With those tricks up their sleeves, Heisler believes the Knights can hang with the Whitehorse squads.

“I think we can hang with the teams, I think the girls have winning attitudes and positivity on the court.”

The next big tournament for both the Knights teams will be the Dawson Invitational Volleyball Tournament in October.

F.H. Collins Warriors had two boys’ teams competing over the weekend. Coach Matt Taylor said they plan on keeping them all. Having had five practices before the tournament, Taylor said it was a good way for the boys to see different faces.

The play of both F.H. teams impressed Taylor.

“There is lots of talent and lots of good players I had last year,” said Taylor. “Then there is also a lot of good young guys coming up.”

The group of Grade 11’s coming up for the Warriors, Taylor said will complement the returning players well.

“They have nice attitudes and are really good athletes so it’s going to be a very good year,” said Taylor.

The Vanier Crusaders girl’s team came in third during last year’s Supervolley. Coach Jane Londero said the team has a new coach to offer the team a new perspective.

“She’s bringing new ideas to the kids,” said Londero. “She just had her first practice because she was out east but it’s changing everything about our season.”

Londero said the team is working on different combinations and is still determining the positions the girls are going to play.

She believes all the teams in the girl division will be tough to defeat.