The Vanier Spirits started slow on Tuesday night, but once they found their groove they were able to roll, scoring a four-set win over the Cornerstone Falcons in Moose Jaw High School Senior Girls Volleyball action.

Cornerstone won the opening set, 25-21, but Vanier battled back with a 25-19 win in the second set. The Falcons and Spirits continued to go back-and-forth for the rest of the match with Vanier winning the final two sets, 26-24 and 25-21.

Vanier coach Leanne Meili said the team was able to execute some of the goals that they had set for themselves coming off a loss to Caronport to open the season.

“We were looking to come out and play the entire night and not quitting after one set,” said Meili. “The girls came out and played hard and we were victorious.”

This is Cornerstone’s first season in a number of years with a team in the senior girls division.

Falcons coach Cam Lewis said there were some nerves for the first game of the season, but he felt the team handled themselves well throughout the game.

“I don’t think they knew what to expect, but I thought they came out pretty well,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of injuries that are hurting us a little bit, but I’m excited about what we can do in the league this year.”

Coming out of their season opener, Lewis felt the team work was the biggest area that they can build off moving forward.

“For the most part we played very good defensively and we just need to work on the game play and not getting too excited about stuff, and that will come as we play the season,” said Lewis.

The Spirits are hoping to build off the win.

“Our passing was consistent and when we can pass, we can make other things happen, and our communication was good, so two focuses that we had going into this game were strong,” said Meili.

“We have to keep moving forward though and keep improving because next week is a new team.”

In the boys game, Vanier picked up a four-set win (25-11, 25-22, 16-25, 25-21) over Cornerstone as well.

The Peacock Toiler girls travelled out to Caronport on Tuesday night as well and lost in four sets to the Cougars (25-15, 18-25, 25-17, 25-22).  The Peacock boys lost in five sets (25-22, 24-26, 25-15, 18-25, 15-10) to the Avonlea Eagles on Tuesday.

The senior volleyball league is back on the court on Thursday with Peacock hosting Cornerstone and Central welcoming in the Avonlea boys and Caronport girls.