Both Portage Collegiate girls and boys varsity volleyball teams are hosting tournaments which kicked off yesterday.

In girls action the Saints opened the event with a pair of losses to Garden Valley Collegiate by scores of 25-10 and 25-16. With an 0-2 record the PCI came back to win both of their afternoon games over Tec Voc, 25-19 and 25-22.

Saints coach, Bob Kriski, says he was hoping for a better start to the tournament, but he adds their wins over Tec Voc provided the team with some momentum that they're hoping they can carry into today's contests, which has been the trend in their first two tournaments of the season.

Today the Saints will take on R.D. Parker, Churchill and West Kildonan. All of which are tied with PCI for 2nd in the Gold Division, with 2-2 records.

As for the Trojans, they lost their opener 25-23 to Silver Heights, then rebounded with a 25-21 victory. In the later game, PCI got by St. James 25-13 and 25-14.
The 3-0 Trojans hit the court today against R.D. Parker, Neelin, and Fort Richmond.

The MacGregor boys will play Ashern today, as well as Hapnot and Westgate, while Sanford will do battle with Westgate and Ashern.


Yesterday in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, Portage Terriers opened Showcase 2006 with a 5-5 tie with Selkirk.

Last Friday, Portage suffered a 6-2 dismantling at the hands of the Steelers, and Terrier assistant coach Paul Harland, says, yesterday's effort was much improved in most facets of their game, adding the Dogs competed fiercely; compared to last week's outing in Selkirk. Harland points out that as long as the team puts in a full effort then he feels they can compete with any MJHL club at any given time. Overall, Harland says the coaching staff is pleased with how the Terriers competed yesterday.

Scoring for the Dogs, were Eric Delong, Stan Yanchishyn, James Cain, Chris Benias and Darren Miller while Mike Sadjadi made 54 saves in preserving the tie. The Terriers are back at it tonight when they face off with Southeast.

Results from other action last night saw Winnipeg South beat up on OCN 7-4, Dauphin edged Winnipeg 3-2, Winkler hammered Neepawa 7-2, the Wolverines needed overtime to get past the Blades 4-3 and the event's guest team, the Soo Thunderbirds got past Swan Valley, 7-6.


In the Manitoba "AAA" Midget Hockey League last night, after a disappointing beginning to their season, Central Plains rebounded in their home opener at Centennial Arena with a 5-2 victory over Norman.

It was just what the Capitals needed follwing their 6-1 defeat to Eastman on Thursday at Century Arena as part of the MJHL's Showcase 2006.

Central Plains coach, Chris MacKinnon, says he wanted his club to key in on three specific areas last night, those being protecting in the offensive zone, supporting the defencemen in the attacking zone and solid positonal play in their own end, which he feels they delivered on. He adds he could really see the effort and concentration on the part of the players last night and as a result the Capitals earned some success.

The Caps will look to build on their win tomorrow afternoon when they host the Kenora Thistles.

 Brandon Wheat Kings were winners in the WHL. It was 4-3 over Medicine Hat.

The Bantam Portage Pitbulls play the Grenndale Falcons this today with playoff implications. The Pitbulls have a record of 4-2-1. Head Coach Brent Irwin explains a win gives them third place and a home playoff game. Greendale curently sits in 3rd place. Coach Irwin says the key to the game has been the same all year -- eliminate mistakes. He says the less mistakes the Pitbulls commit the better chance they have to win the contest.