Superior North Volleyball Club’s 18U teams had a strong showing at the OVA Bugarski Cup from March 27–29, with the Thunder leading the way with a silver medal finish, followed by a gritty performance from Storm and continued growth from Lightning. Competing across Southern Ontario, all three teams demonstrated resilience, development, and strong team connections both on and off the court.
The 18U Girls Thunder, coached by Emma Korolenko, Chase House, and Abby Viers, competed in Niagara Falls and came home with an impressive silver medal finish out of a strong field of 12 teams. Moving up a full division from their previous tournament, the team embraced the challenge and rose to the occasion. “I’m so proud of how our team showed up this past tournament,” said Korolenko. “We moved up a full division, and instead of backing down, everyone rose to the challenge. You could feel the difference in our energy right from the start—the girls were more confident, more connected, and ready to compete.”
That growth was especially evident in the playoffs, where the team’s resilience stood out. “We stayed scrappy, kept pushing through long rallies, and supported each other the whole way. That perseverance paid off—we played some of our best ball and came away with a silver medal in a higher division, which made it even sweeter,” Korolenko added.
Setter Sofia Johnston reflected on the tactical shift: “Our defensive consistency helped us compete against strong teams and gave us more chances to run our offence. Overall, I think we played really great volleyball.” Setter and opposite hitter Pawnay Winning highlighted the mental toughness required to reach the podium: “We split with every team on the first day and we all knew we needed to fight hard in the last couple of games to get there—and that’s exactly what we did.” Middle blocker Kaylee Witiluk echoed the importance of the team’s internal culture: “Everyone is so supportive, and I think that reflects in our success. We stayed focused and kept moving on to the next play.”
The club’s success extended to the boys’ side in Whitby, where the 18U Storm, coached by Scott Masters and Brock Bodnar, delivered a powerhouse performance defined by high-stakes “gut check” moments. Their weekend was highlighted by a marathon fifth-place match that saw a single set extend to a staggering 34 points. The Storm refused to back down, showcasing a level of defensive grit and composure that electrified the sidelines.
“The set that went to 34 was super exciting; it got us all pumped up,” said outside hitter Leo Fay. This display of resilience became a turning point for the squad’s chemistry. Middle blocker Josh Woods noted that the team “really learned what it means to play as a team and how to build on our strengths.” Setter and opposite hitter Aedan Gibson echoed that sentiment, highlighting both the on-court performance and team bonding: “Our team played well at the Bugarski Cup and showed strong teamwork. A key moment was our comeback in a tough match. We also had great team bonding off the court. Overall, a great experience to build on.” Head coach Scott Masters praised the team’s development, noting that this level of competitive fire is exactly what the squad needs as they prepare for the provincial stage.
Back in Niagara Falls, the 18U Girls Lightning, coached by Kim Fossum, Lauri-Ann Vester, and Kathryn Scofich, matched that intensity with a weekend focused on steady improvement and unity. “The 18U girls team had a great weekend both on and off the court,” said Fossum. “Watching them strengthen their on-court dynamic was impressive, but what stood out just as much was the bond they built off the court.”
The team explored Niagara Falls together and spent time at the Fun Zone, experiences that Fossum noted brought them closer and carried directly into their play. “With each game they improved. They were more confident, more determined and one cohesive unit. They kept pushing, digging deep, and never backed down. I’m really proud of the way they came together and the grit they showed all weekend,” Fossum added.
Outside hitter Gianna Dysievick reflected on how that connection fueled their performance: “This past tournament was an amazing experience for our team. Every player’s skills improved and our team bond grew hugely. We faced strong competition and challenges but pushed through every point together, and each player left with a lot of great confidence.” Setter Jadyn Wakefield agreed, adding that the lessons learned at the Bugarski Cup have the team eager for their next challenge. “We competed as a team, faced challenges, and came together while improving our skills. I’m looking forward to Provincials with this team and can’t wait to see what we can do,” Wakefield said.
With the Bugarski Cup now in the books, all three 18U teams return home with valuable experience and growing confidence. Their season will reach its peak at the Ontario Championships, where they will compete at the Enercare Centre in Toronto from April 23–25. The club looks forward to seeing these athletes represent the Superior North Giants on the province’s biggest stage.