Duchess Park dominance is still in fashion in senior girls volleyball.
The Condors won their seventh consecutive north central zone championship title at the triple-A level on Friday night. In a best-of-five match at Kelly Road, against the Kelly Road Roadrunners, Duchess swept to victory. Set scores were 25-16, 25-20, 25-23.
In the clash against the Runners, the Condors were missing Grade 12 middle blocker Nicole Schlick, one of their top talents. Schlick is recovering from a shoulder injury and was replaced by fellow Grade 12 Kelly Matters, who is normally a power hitter.
Even with the switch, the Condors were never seriously threatened.
"The first two games we were in control," said Condors coach Richard Mintenko. "The last game, the girls didn't play up to par. But, overall, I think we're ready."
Ready for the provincial championship tournament, that is. The Condors will host the 16-team B.C. final Dec. 2-4.
"We're aiming for a third-place or better finish in the provincials," Mintenko said.
Fortunately for the Condors, Schlick -- who has a rotator cuff problem -- should be available for duty.
"The doctor is working on her and we're hoping that she'll be able to play," Mintenko said. "She said she would be, so I'm assuming we're going to have her in the lineup."
As the zone runner-up, Kelly Road secured a provincial berth.
The zone tournament was supposed to feature three teams but the South Peace Penguins of Dawson Creek decided not to attend.
