STA Flames make school history with first senior girls volleyball title in 35 years

For the first time in school history, the STA Flames are headed to the OFSAA Championship

For the first time in school history, the St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Flames are headed to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Championship.

The Flames beat Oakridge in a thrilling five-set match in the Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WOSSAA) final Monday at Oakridge Secondary School to book their ticket to the upcoming provincial tournament in Windsor, Ont.

“It was so thrilling,” said Gabriella Boyes, a graduating senior player for the Flames. “It was such an amazing thing to see in the competition, nonstop balls back and forth.”

“We’ve been working really hard, trying to put in the work. It’s just it’s really deserved and Oakridge what a great match. It honestly feels like college or university volleyball,” Boyes added.

The game featured two of the best high school players in Canada.

Ana Stojanovic of Oakridge and Ania Magier of STA are both headed to NCAA Division 1 schools in the United States and both missed the first semester while attending Volleyball Canada’s National Excellence Program in British Columbia.

They returned and put on a show Monday night.

Stojanovic was delivering smashes, while Magier controlled the middle at the net, hammering ball after ball for winners.

“It was just like amazing volleyball,” said Magier. “You can’t beat it. We played so well and I’m proud of everybody.”

The Oaks took the first and third sets to lead 2-1 going into the fourth. However, Magier took over and helped STA force a fifth and deciding set.

The Flames got off to a great start and held on for a 15-10 win.

“It’s really a team sport,” added Kotsovos. “You have to trust each other and work together. It’s such a team sport and I find that STA and Oakridge, we’re very equal teams. It’s a battle of who played and brought it today.”

The Oaks had home court advantage after winning the TVRA city championship. The match was originally scheduled to be played Wednesday Feb. 25 but the school was closed due to a threat.

There was talk of not allowing fans to the match, but it’s a good thing they allowed spectators because the gym was packed, and both sides fans were boisterous.

“It honestly feels like college university volleyball,” said Boyes, when asked about the vibe in the gym. “It was so thrilling, honestly. We’ve been working really hard and putting in the work. It’s just really deserved, and Oakridge, what a match.”

The Flames will remember it forever as it’s the first time in the 35-year history of the school that girl’s volleyball has qualified for OFSAA.

“It was such a thrill and adrenaline rush and an experience that you’ll remember forever,” said Nicoletta Kotsovos, a Flames captain.

Magier was happy to keep her high school career going and head to the provincials for the first time.

“I just want a good experience, and I’ve ever been there before, so I’m excited,” said Magier, who is set to attend Bowling Green University in Ohio next fall.

The Flames will leave Sunday for Windsor and hope to be a top 10 seed in the tournament.

“Our whole team has such a leadership role,” added Boyes. “We’ve just been working so hard and all for the grade 12 girls for graduating, we’ve been working hard and this is such a great team.”