Caspian Sports Club U14 girls volleyball team captain Cathryn Baptista said the team did not expect to be able to battle to the top at nationals.
Competing in Ottawa May 13 to 15, the Newmarket-based tier-two team faced off against some of the best in the province and country. After taking a couple of losses on the second day during round-robin play, the team won four playoff matches to go home with gold.
“We were the first from our club to even play at nationals. The fact that we medalled at all was spectacular,” Baptisa said. “I was not expecting that at all, but I couldn't ask to do it with a better group of girls.”
The team celebrated its win at a season wrap-up May 18. The not-for-profit volleyball club made it to nationals in its fourth year of existence. Over the season, its 10 teams won 14 medals at various tournaments.
U14 girls head coach Aras Eshraghi said it was a great tournament, and the team practised well to compete at that level.
“I’m really happy for them because they tried really hard,” he said, adding the team is no longer intimidated to face anyone. “They feel proud. They know they can make it now.”
Player Lexi Roos said it was a fun experience with some hard games against strong teams. But she said competing and defeating some of those teams in round-robin play helped give them the confidence to stay on their game.
“We worked really hard to get where we are,” she said, adding it felt great to get back into action after COVID-19-related closures. “We can now go to tournaments. We can travel. We were back into volleyball, and it was so much fun again.”
Volleyball is a family affair for the Baptisa. Shana Baptista, Cathyrn’s mother, runs administration for the club, while father Seb Baptisa is an assistant coach.
Shana Baptisa said the club has grown from one to 10 teams over its four years, managed by Dr. Nader Shavandi.
“Speaking for my little family, COVID has been tough for everyone,” she said. “It’s been a sanity saver for my whole family. Volleyball’s been a really good thing for all of us.”
Seb Baptisa said competing at nationals was a rollercoaster of emotions. He said the win should also help the club get some recognition.
“That will attract some more competitive players who see we have a good program,” he said.
The captain Baptisa said she wants to continue to improve and perhaps get into provincial and national level programs.
The team has wrapped up its season, but she said they hope they can carry the momentum forward for the start of next season in the fall.
"There’s always more that we can do,” she said. “The goal is to keep growing as a team.”
