The Charlottetown Rural Raiders repeated as P.E.I. School Athletic Association Senior AAA Boys Volleyball League champions on Nov. 15. The Raiders defeated the Colonel Gray Colonels 3-1 (23-25, 25-12, 25-19, 25-14) in the gold-medal match, played at Holland College’s MacMillan Centre for Community Engagement in Charlottetown. Members of the Raiders are, front row, from left: Owen Sinnott, Phil Stavert, Nick Sullivan, Moses Collin, Colton Fisher and Beckett Quinn. Back row: Jeremy Norman (coach), Will Stavert, Xyrus Zara, Will Dunn, Zach Bolo, Clemens Oehl, Ridley Meuse, Erik Thompson, Nathan Zakem (coach) and Nolan Ryan (coach). Photo by rudisphoto.comArticle contentZach Bolo could not have authored a better script for his final volleyball match with the Charlottetown Rural Raiders.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Raiders defeated the Colonel Gray Colonels 3-1 (23-25, 25-12, 25-19, 25-14) to repeat as P.E.I. School Athletic Association senior AAA boys’ champions on Nov. 15.Article contentArticle content“Especially in my Grade 12 year, just knowing that this that was my last time ever playing high school volleyball, it’s just such a good feeling that I get to experience that with the team,” said Bolo, 16. “Honestly, the boys played great. That’s some of the best I’ve ever seen them play.”Article contentArticle contentDespite losing a close first set, Bolo said the Raiders never lost confidence.Article content“We didn’t get down,” said Bolo. “The energy was great the entire game.Article content“Even after losing the first set, most teams it would bring them down. Honestly, for us, it just made us more hungry to win.”Article contentBolo acknowledged his final high school match created some emotions as he deflected praise to his teammates and coaches.Article content“The coaching staff, Nolan and two other coaches, were great,” said Bolo. “They’re such good teachers and all the boys just played such a big impact on how I thought of the sport that last year.”Article contentChampionship MVPArticle contentBolo, who plays the setter position, was named the most valuable player of the provincial championship.Article content“He’s amazing,” said Raiders head coach Nolan Ryan. “He’s definitely the best setter in the league, I’d say.Article content“He can do it all – he can hit, service and facilitates our offence perfectly.”Article contentArticle contentWill Dunn (Raiders) and Theo Plourde (Colonels) were named the players of the match for the final.Article contentArticle contentThe Raiders’ 2025 roster featured six Grade-10 rookies, including four – Owen Sinnott, Moses Collin, Ridley Meuse, Clemens Oehl – as starters.Article contentWhen asked if that is a high number of rookies, Ryan added the usual number is three to four. But all six players transitioned to senior AAA volleyball seamlessly.Article content“They’re a good group of kids,” said Ryan. “Some of them play year-round, which is great… hopefully they can keep on doing it in the future.”Article contentUndefeated seasonArticle contentThe Raiders went undefeated in regular-season and playoff action in the PEISAA Senior AAA Boys Volleyball League. Charlottetown Rural compiled a 12-0 (won-lost) record – 10-0 in the regular season and 2-0 in the playoffs.Article content“It’s pretty cool (to go undefeated),” said Ryan, who acknowledged the undefeated record resulted in some pressure for the Raiders. “We let the guys know that everyone was chasing us, and they’re working to beat us.
Charlottetown Rural Raiders repeat as PEISAA senior AAA boys volleyball champions
