The U17 Junior Pilots recently returned home after competing in Calgary at the annual Best of the West (BOTW) championship, a prestigious three-day event that invites the top 12 Canadian club teams from British Columbia to Quebec. This year’s tournament took place from March 28–30.

At the competition, the Junior Pilots took home a bronze medal, placing third overall. It was the best finish for the Providence Junior Pilots program.

The team, led by head coach Kyla Zacharias and assisted by Dylan Zacharias, along with Carl and Heather Fast, showcased their resilience and skill.

The Junior Pilots played five round robin games over the first two days, finishing with a 3–2 record, good enough to qualify them for the playoffs.

At the end of the second day, they played in the quarterfinals against the Ducks U17 Elite out of B.C. in a thrilling three-set match. After a strong serving run early in the third set, the Junior Pilots emerged victorious.

However, the next morning, their journey to the finals was halted by the Huskies from Saskatchewan, who defeated them in straight sets.

Undeterred by the loss, the team rallied and delivered their best performance of the weekend in the bronze medal match against the Smash Raiders. The Junior Pilots dominated, winning in straight sets with scores of 25–23 and 25–12.

Bella Peters was recognized as a tournament all-star for her outstanding performance.

“We as coaches are so proud of what these girls have been able to accomplish this weekend and look forward to bringing this level of competition back to Manitoba,” says Kyla Zacharias.

With this achievement, the Junior Pilots Navy team will return to the court next week in Manitoba where they will defend their Volleyball Manitoba Provincial Championship title.

“The team’s impressive performance at the Best of the West tournament is a testament to their hard work and team work on and off the court,” adds Zacharias.