Flyers edge Redcoats in thriller
Lauren Vahrmeyer has taken on a new role with the Eden Flyers this season.
The 17-year-old is one of just two Grade 12 students on the senior girls volleyball team and, as such, has naturally evolved into a leader.
Vahrmeyer’s solid play led the Flyers to a heart-stopping 17-25, 25-14, 24-26, 26-24, 15-11 triumph over the Governor Simcoe Redcoats Tuesday to capture the Niagara Regional High School Athletic Association Zone 4 AA championship.
The Flyers now take on the St. Francis Phoenix, champions of the Niagara Catholic Athletic Association, Thursday with the winner advancing to the Southern Ontario Secondary School Association playdowns Monday at E.L. Crossley.
“This year, we lost a lot of players,” Vahrmeyer said. “I’m one of only two seniors and the rest are pulled up from Grade 10 or 11. It’s been amazing. It’s been like a completely new team from last year.”
Vahrmeyer, who plays travel ball with the Niagara Rapids U18 team, enjoys being in a position to lead.
“I definitely think I’ve always been a natural leader since I was younger,” she said. “It’s come out a lot this year because I’m a senior and I need to help out.
“We all play a role that makes the team what it is.”
Eden coach Bill Markham has high praise for Vahrmeyer.
“She is the heart of this team. She is the one they look to. Just her play and her aggression and passion. Without her, we wouldn’t have any of those things as much as we do.”
The Redcoats gave the perennial champion Flyers all they could handle.
“Those are more fun to win and terrible to lose,” said Markham, who celebrated his third zone title since taking over the team from Albino Pereira. “It’s such an emotional game and they’re such a good team. Both teams have nerves and balls bounce funny ways.
“To be truthful, it could have gone either way. Kudos to them. They played outstanding.”
Vahrmeyer was able to enjoy the game even though so much was on the line.
“It was actually good. It was fun,” she said. “When the adrenaline gets pumping, it’s crazy and it’s hard to play controlled. It’s enjoyable but there are ups and downs.
“That game was probably the most frustrating. Just when you think you get the lead you can never let up. I think that’s really important to try and stay on top of your game.”
Markham said the Flyers have made a point to enter as many high-calibre tournaments as possible this season as is their custom.
“Our schedule, putting them in that environment, during a couple of those time outs I would remind them that they have been here before and to just go out and have fun and play your game and they did,” he said.
Other members of the team are: Lauren Alguire, Emma Andres, Brynn Esau, Emma Foster, Allyson Heida, Kat Matveev, Therese Ristow, Lucy Sawatsky, Renee Smith and Tayah Vahrmeyer.
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