The SubZero Frostbite 15U boys scored silver at the Volleyball Canada 2023 Nationals recently.

The Nationals were held in Edmonton in the Saville Community Sports Centre May 12-14.

Frostbite was playing in Tier 5-8 of 15U.

The Star spoke with the 15U Frostbite head coach Sebastian Tajonera May 16.

The first day was Pool Play.

“We started off pretty strong on the first day,” recalled Tajonera. “Our first game, we actually lost but the next two against the top two and top three Newfoundland team(s), we beat them, so we went 2-1 on the first day.”

Frostbite played in the Power Pools on the second day.

“The second day, we played tougher teams,” related Tajonera. “Some close games with the tougher teams, so we ended up going 0-3 on the second day.”

Then it was on to the playoffs, where success awaited.

“We had a pretty easy quarterfinals game,” said Tajonera.

Frostbite beat the Jr. Pilots from Manitoba two sets to none.

The second match of the day, against 15U PVC Gold from Manitoba, was a little more challenging.

“We had one of the most exciting games, which was the semifinals where we won the first set, then lost the second.

We went down, I think it was nine to 12 in the third set, and my team made a great comeback to win it 15-12,” related Tajonera.

They had a tough time in the finals.

“It was a bit rough for my boys because we had to play 10 minutes right after the semifinals,” recalled Tajonera. “So they barely had a break. So they were a bit tired from the last game. They didn’t play the best game but they still had a lot of fight in them. They played with a lot of heart and we just came up short.”

Frostbite fell to Brandon Volleyball Club 15U 2-0. The first set was 25-14 and the second set was 25-7.

“Even though they were really tired, they still played with everything they got. Still played their hardest and they had fun. They’re really proud of themselves for getting that silver.

“First they were a bit teary about it … but then again, a medal is still a medal. They’re still really proud that they made it that far. No one really expected it.”

Tajonera was asked what he thought were the keys to the team’s success.

“I think it was a lot of communication between the team and starting off the season, they weren’t really talking a lot in terms of like calling the ball and stuff but over time, they sort of developed that and they made it one of their strong suits.

“Same with the defence. So I think that’s what got us there. And just their overall hustle as well.”

When asked if anybody stood out, Tajonera replied, “I think they all played really well. Especially the bench, coming off the bench and playing when I put them in to play. But our captain definitely, Maze (Clemente), was one of my strongest players. He played every single game and props to him for not getting too exhausted.”

Tajonera added, “”It was a really fun experience for the boys. They all had fun on and off the court and got along really well.”

The team has one more local end-of-season tournament coming up.

“It’s just U14 and 15 teams playing against each other,” said Tajonera.

Regarding the Nationals, Tajonera said, “I just want to thank all the supporters that watched all the live streams like all the parents that supported their kids. They were a really big help to our success.”

The boys got a lot of social media support from their parents and friends which boosted their spirits.

“They’re really proud of themselves,” added Tajonera.