By Christina Gray

Zone 6 (Vancouver Island-Central Coast) took gold in women’s beach volleyball today at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith. Savannah Purdy and Erin Mutch, from Victoria, took both sets against Zone 5 (Vancouver Coastal). 

Erin and Savannah just started playing beach volleyball together this year, but have played indoor volleyball together for four years. They both played with the indoor volleyball team for the Canada Games last year and have been members of Team BC for the past two years. 

They said they have been inspired by many people during the games. “Everyone here inspires us because everyone who takes the time to train for this is amazing,” said Erin. 

Their most memorable moment? “Just now,” said Savannah, referring to their gold medal win. 

Up next for the team is a trip down to Seaside, Oregon to compete in beach volleyball for Team BC. After that, they both are off to university where they will continue to play volleyball at the university level. Erin will be attending Thompson Rivers University and plans to study Psychology. Savannah is attending Trinity Western and plans to also study psychology. They both emphasized their excitement at being able to continue playing volleyball at university. “It’s exciting to keep developing because we both love the sport,” said Erin, while Savannah nodded in agreement.