Christchurch schools had a successful competition at Palmerston North's New Zealand Secondary School Volleyball Championships.
St Margaret's Volleyball team with their national award, Lulu Inglis back row, fourth from left.Tony T Photography
The 2025 New Zealand Secondary School Volleyball Championships (NZSS) was a huge success for Christchurch schools.
100 boys' teams and 98 girls' teams battled it out across five days, with Christchurch girls doing exceptionally well. While Cashmere, the highest-placed boys' team in Christchurch, was 8th place in division one, Christchurch Girls' High School, St Margaret's College, and St Andrew's College Girls' teams made it to the semi-finals.
St Margaret's reached the finals after beating Christchurch Girls' High School, to play Rangitoto College, title-holders for the previous two years. In a tense three-set battle, St Margaret's held their ground and won.
St Margaret's Volleyball team (Lulu Inglis right) at the net at their recent tournament, Canterbury Champs. Gail Harris
Sports prefect and captain of the team, Lulu Inglis, says it was the biggest crowd the team had ever played in front of.
"Before I went onto the court, I was really nervous, but as soon as the game started you kind of just get into the feel of it and can relax a wee bit.
"And when the crowd starts cheering and everyone in your team is just next to you smiling, then it makes it really fun and a really cool experience."
Having her family there to support her calmed her nerves.
"Luckily I had my mum and grandma there at the final watching, which is really cool, and my dad was there previously, in the week."
Lulu says the team had thrice-weekly practices to prepare for the tournament. Without the help from their longtime coach Sebastian Gonzalez, the achievement, which was a first for the school, would not have been possible.
"It's our first time winning (NZSS), so it was so cool. And the best we'd ever done was 6th place. So it was really exciting."
St Margaret's Volleyball team (Lulu Inglis right) at their previous tournament, Canterbury Champs.Gail Harris
It was her last high school volleyball tournament, which made the achievement even more special.
"Just the atmosphere at the tournaments is always so good.
"With all the teams, music, chants, and so many people watching, it's always so much fun."
Alongside winning the national title, Lulu and three of her teammates were named in the female tournament team.
"It's really exciting and aprivilegeto be named in the team, a really cool opportunity."
Those selected at the tournament are now invited to Volleyball New Zealand training camps over the school holidays. The camp is the final selection camp for the National Junior men's and women's teams.
These teams go on to play in tournaments for Oceania and Asia Championships.
