With momentum on their side, Hawthorn stepped onto the court for the gold medal match against Pickering College, the #1 team in the league. On paper, Pickering was the favorite, but our girls had something to prove.
From the first whistle, Hawthorn played their BEST volleyball of the season. It was a masterclass in teamwork, strategy, and pure heart. Smart substitutions brought in powerhouse servers and defensive walls at just the right moments, and the scoreboard reflected it—Hawthorn led for parts of the first set, giving Pickering a serious scare! The intensity was off the charts, and while Pickering ultimately took the set 25-19, it was a massive improvement from their previous 25-10 loss to the same team.
The final result? A well-earned silver medal for Hawthorn! But more than that, this playoff run showcased the incredible growth, resilience, and teamwork of this squad. Facing teams stacked with Grade 8 players, our young team—made up of Grade 6s, 7s, and 8s—proved that size doesn’t matter when skill, strategy, and heart lead the way.
For our Grade 8s, Elia, Amelia, Maria Paula, Lucia, Elaina, and Luisa, this would be the last time they play volleyball together.
This silver medal represents more than just a second-place finish. It’s a testament to hard work, leadership, confidence, and the mental toughness to push through nerves and face tough competition head-on. Congratulations girls!
