The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Hapnot Collegiate gymnasium would look good with two Zone championship banners for volleyball pinned on the wall. The goal is simple: win in front of the home crowd. The only team standing in the way is rival RD Parker from Thompson. "They're probably the best team in the Zone," said Ken Kittle coach of the Kopper Kweens. "They've always been a rival from Grade nine to senior. You always want to beat Thompson." Kittle knows that for his team to achieve their ultimate goal he needs a complete team effort, not relying on one person, though setter and captain Megan Hall is a key to that. The Kopper Kweens have worked this week on their defensive zone coverage and Kittle feels it's improved. The best thing going for them is ball movement. "Passing is very good," Kittle explained, especially from the teams' serve to receive. "We will win Zones as long as they play their game. "I'm looking forward to the weekend Ð looking forward to Thompson mainly," he said. Kopper Kween Kirsten Clark feels the team has been working hard during practices. " We can tell work is paying off," Kirsten said. "I think we have a good chance if we stay focused and positive and do our best." As for the Kopper Kings, coach Craig McIntosh has been pleased with the work ethic his team has shown during practice this week and said he feels it's been the best for the season. "Guys understand the importance of this weekend," McIntosh said. "I really believe they want to perform in front of the home crowd." The focus has been to neutralize Thompson's middle attack so the Kopper Kings have worked heavily on their own and offensive coverage. "Guys don't like it because it's hard," the coach said. "That can save five to six points and be the difference between winning and losing." And the difference between being a champion and leaving with their heads low is which team plays the best defence. See 'Kopper' P.# Con't from P.# "I feel we made big improvements for coverage offensively and defensively," McIntosh said. "I feel Scott Vancoughnett and Jed Reeves have made tremendous leaps forward to middle defence and attack sequences." Scott Vancoughnett said the feeling around the team is pretty good. Practices were hard and it helped the players gel together and build confidence as they team strive for victory. "I feel they're good," he said of their chances to win Zones. "We just have to hit well and the power game is good. Evan has been good and I've been stepping up. "I think we should be set for Zones," Scott said. Helping pump up the Kopper Kings is the pep rally prepared to enhance the finals. McIntosh said his team is excited about that. "I thank them, the refs, scorekeepers for volunteering because without them this would not be possible."
