As an annual tradition, the Coquitlam RCMP-Red Serge Classic senior girls’ volleyball tournament was hosted once again at Riverside Secondary on November 3-4 for its 18th year.
Besides the Provincial Championships, it is the most important tournament for senior girls’ teams. Only the top ten ranked in British Columbia are invited, such as Earl Marriott Secondary in Surrey – the 2016-2017 season’s junior girls’ Provincial winners, and Belmont Secondary in Victoria – the current top ranked team in the province. This year, the Earl Marriott Mariners ended up winning the tournament.
The namesake of the Red Serge refers to the jacket of the dress uniform worn by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. RCMP officers marched in at 5:15pm on Friday and opening remarks were given by Youth Liaison Officer, Constable Chantal Mitchell. The audience was warmly welcomed by Riverside Vice Principal, Mr. JJ Hyde, followed by a speech from Constable Laura Lytwynec, a former varsity volleyball athlete at Western University and current member of the Coquitlam RCMP.
After the opening ceremonies, the public was treated to a speed spike competition and an exhibition match between the High School All Stars and the Coquitlam RCMP. Riverside faced Lord Byng in the first game of the tournament. The teams that participated this year were our very own Port Coquitlam Riverside Rapids, the North Vancouver Handsworth Royals, Vancouver’s Lord Byng Grey Ghosts, the Carihi Tyees, all the way from Campbell River, the Langford – Victoria Belmont Bulldogs, and the Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers, the Pacific Academy Breakers, the Earl Marriott Mariners, and the Semiahmoo Totems all hailing from Surrey. The Kelowna Secondary Owls were also invited, but were unable to attend due to poor weather conditions. Langley Christian Secondary took their place, and came second in the tournament. Last year, the Langley Christian Lightning won.
Riverside displayed great skill and effort over the course of their season, but unfortunately, the senior girls will not be advancing to the Fraser Valley championships this year.
