OVA News

St. Francis has long been known as a basketball school, but there’s a group of senior girls that want to add volleyball to the list.

The Phoenix senior girls volleyball team is off to a 3-0 start in league play and Friday the team won its first Niagara Catholic District School Board tourney at Holy Cross.

“We have very high expectations and I’m very proud of my girls thus far this season,” Phoenix coach Andria Lucchetta said. “We’re undefeated in league play this year and I’m hoping that continues for the rest of the season.”

Friday’s tournament was an indication the team is on the right track.

“We’re happy to finish strong at a local board tournament,” she said. “We don’t always get to play some of these schools.”

St. Francis’ Sarah Slattery was named tournament MVP, but teammate Andjela Mamic also had a strong tournament.

“She is an excellent leader and team captain,” Lucchetta said. “She’s very consistent, covers the floor well and is definitely a talented volleyball player.”

The 17-year-old Grade 12 student, who also plays basketball and tennis for St. Francis, expects the team to do well this season.

“We’re a good group of girls and we all have skills,” Mamic said. “As long as we’re working hard, I think we have a good chance of winning everything.”

And a good chance of changing perception.

“We’re known for basketball, but a lot of girls love volleyball, too. We’re really proud of ourselves, even if it wasn’t that big of a surprise we won.”

Get the full story from Bernie Puchalski, St Catharines Standard