Dauphin is set to host the Manitoba High School Athletic Association AAA girls and boys volleyball provincials, this weekend at Credit Union Place.

Twenty-four teams will be competing for a provincial title. The last time provincials were held in Dauphin, the Clippers senior girls were crowned provincial champions.

In the most recent Top 10 rankings, the Dauphin Clippers senior girls were ranked fourth in the province.

Coach Chris Wolfenden feels the team is ready for provincials.

“We had a team function (Thursday) night and I think the excitement level is really high, for sure, with the girls. We’ve had some really good weeks of preparation. So I think we are ready, actually,” he said. “I think it’s a group that’s feeling confident and excited to play the game together and achieve something that hasn’t been there in the past. So I think the girls are excited about it.”

The team has been practicing three days a week and competed in six tournaments, which has allowed them to improve since the start of the season.

“So they put in a lot of time. I think the girls are understanding all of the concepts and team systems so much better now that they don’t have to think about those things. They can be free in the matches and be themselves. So the girls definitely improved a lot,” Wolfenden said.

The tournament will take place in a different venue than the teams are used to, often competing in school gymnasiums. But Wolfenden doesn’t think there will be much of an adjustment to playing in such a large venue.

Get the full story in this week's Dauphin Herald, which includes a special centre spread for the tournament!