By Joel van der Veen

DAVIDSON — It’s seven in a row for the RaiTec senior girls volleyball team, but don’t think of calling it a lucky streak.

Rather, said manager Sandra Baldwin, it’s a combination of skill, consistency and commitment that has helped the team achieve so much success this season.

“We are able to set the pace for a game, and then maintain that pace,” she said. “They’re willing to work hard and stay focused.”

The RaiTec team — a co-op between Davidson and Loreburn — has won seven tournaments in a row, starting with a home tournament held the weekend of Sept. 11 and 12.

This was followed by wins in Porcupine Plain, Beechy, Assiniboia, Hanley and Humboldt, and culminated with a victory at a tournament in Outlook on the weekend of Oct. 23 and 24.

The RaiTec team includes six Grade 10 players, three from Grade 11 and five Grade 12s. Baldwin said the mix of ages has contributed to a healthy balance.

She also said the girls have stood firm even when falling behind, continuing to play their game, chipping away and, more often than not, coming out with a win.

The older players have brought strong leadership, while Baldwin said the team has a “deep bench” with all players displaying strengths.

Tony Baldwin, who coaches the team along with teacher Karen McConnell and intern Hallie Vollmer, said he’s excited about the team’s success for several reasons.

“These girls are at least as strong as they were last year,” he said, adding that he’s pleased to see the two schools coming together co-operatively.

For the full story, please see the Nov. 2 edition of The Davidson Leader.