The U17 Predators played last weekend at Brock University in Tier 2 of the U18 Challenge Cup. The team went 5-1 and lost a tough 3 game semi-final match to South County Bandits. Down 16-3 in the first set, the team dug in and showed great determination in closing the gap to 3 points before eventually losing running out of time. The girls rebounded to win the second set after making a number of acrobatic defensive plays before losing a tough fought third game. The team then played the Stratford Stingers in the bronze medal match. With no bench because of injuries, the team was exhausted but fought hard throughout the match. After winning the first set, the girls were down 20-15 in the second, but managed to win in a thriller 25-23. Predator's captain Katie Reist had a great day offensively and defensively and was selected by the coaching staff as the team's MVP. Outside hitter Meaghan Loveday and setter Tiffany Pinksen also had strong performances and deserve recognition for their contribution to the team's success. The U17 girls are expecting the return of Tory McCutcheon, Carling Zeeman and Clare Schellenberg in the near future. It is the team's goal to build on the great performances so far in 2008 when these top level athletes return.