Conference coaches are prepared for a season with "no gimmes"
by Corey LeBlanc
(HALIFAX, N.S.) Programs are primed to serve up a hard-fought season in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women’s volleyball.
“I think it will be another tight battle,” Rick Scott, head coach of the defending champion Dalhousie Tigers, says of the 2022-23 campaign.
Along with his squad, he predicts the Saint Mary’s Huskies, Acadia Axewomen and UNB REDS will contend for conference supremacy, while the Memorial Sea-Hawks—under new head coach Sydney Purvis—and Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues will continue to make strides.
“They will definitely be no gimmes,” UNB head coach Richard Schick says.
Saint Mary’s head coach Darren Russell expects competition to be “even tighter” this season.
“We know that we will have to be at our best in every match,” he says.
The Huskies (11-5), who topped the standings last season, defeated the REDS (8-6) in a five-set semi-final before being swept in the championship by the Tigers, who ousted the Axewomen (10-5) in the final four. It was the ninth consecutive AUS banner for Dalhousie.
Because of the abbreviated season, every team—including Les Aigles Bleues (3-10) and Sea-Hawks (2-13), who finished fifth and sixth, respectively—made the playoffs.
“We are really looking forward to this season,” Scott says, noting his mix of newcomers and returnees.
Schick says his REDS are “super excited” to get back on the court.
“We want to build on the success [from last season]—the step forward that we made,” he adds.
Although they “fell short,” when it comes to capturing a championship, Axewomen head coach Michelle Wood says they are fuelled by the momentum they built last season. “We have to be peaking when it matters the most,” she adds.
Russell describes his team as a “really competitive and focused,” group that expects to contend. “It is a squad that can definitely reach that goal,” he says of winning the conference.
Scott says Dalhousie’s goal—as always—is to top the conference, and then “make some noise and medal at nationals.”
Balanced offense
The Tigers will try to take advantage of their size and physicality—key ingredients to playing stout defense and blocking—to be successful.
“We want to play fast, with speed,” Scott explains, as part of a “balanced offense.” He describes setter Brett Boldon (Fredericton, NB) as their “quarterback.”
“She is going to be a really key piece for us,” Scott says.
Outside hitter Lucy Glen-Carter (Toronto, ON), an all-star and All-Canadian with Acadia, is studying physiotherapy at Dal. “She is going to bring us tremendous experience,” he notes.
Middle Grace Calnan (Dartmouth, N.S.) has gained tremendous experience with Volleyball Canada’s NextGen program.
“It takes a team to win, and we expect contributions from a lot of other players.”
‘Clear’ expectations
So does Wood, whose Acadia roster includes five first-years (all with Canada Games experience this summer) and a transfer.
“We are very deep, but a lot of our depth comes from younger athletes,” she says. “We expect them to contribute right away, so we are excited.”
She notes that Acadia is “really lucky” to have Sydney Zakutney (Ottawa, ON) and Charlotte Dean (Mississauga, ON).
“Sydney has that rare gift of being able to play any position,” Wood notes of her right-side attacker, while praising her willingness to change positions for a “phenomenal setter” such as Dean. She says the pair “complement each other so well.”
Their strength in the middle includes lead blocker Wesley-Ann Bailey (Ottawa, ON) and Erica Fisher (Middle Sackville, N.S.), who—at 6’3”—will be expected to make “big statement plays.”
There is also the “stabilizing force” provided by Rebecca Dorsey (Toronto, ON).
When asked about the Axewomen's goals, Wood says: “Winning our first AUS banner"
Ready to compete
Although they are “really young,” Russell believes his Huskies will be “really competitive,” particularly because of their quality recruiting class.
“We are going to have our ups and downs,” he explains. Russell says playing a strong service game and making the commitment defensively will be crucial.
“If we do those things, I think that we will be in every match,” he adds.
The Huskies line-up—at least in the first half—will not look as anticipated, with two international student-athletes unable to secure visas until January.
Russell says all-star outside Olivia Bell (LaHave, N.S.) “is going to have to step up and lead us." Megan Bruhm (Hubley, N.S.), a junior right-side, will also be counted on.
Setter Taylor Lougheed (Calgary, AB)—one of the newcomers—is expected to help “speed up our offense,” while creating position depth with Olivia Kokkinen (Uxbridge, ON).
Russell expects second-year middles Madison Hann (Conquerall Mills, NS) and Paige Deering (Calgary, AB) will continue their improvement as they expand their roles, while the libero position will be tended by the strong tandem of Morgan Hoskins (Bishop's Falls, NL) and Lianne Rogers (Fletcher’s Lake).
‘Success by committee’
Because the REDS do not have the biggest team, Schick notes the importance of ball control as part of a strong serve and passing game.
“They are going to lead our group,” he says of setters Catherine Burns (Fredericton, N.B.) and Paige Lehto (North Vancouver, BC), noting their ability to quarterback the team.
Even though she is “undersized” at only 5’9”, Schick expects Bailey Lemieux (Fredericton, N.B.) to continue to be one of the conference’s top middle blockers.
“She has come in stronger, quicker and focused,” he notes.
Although he says it's “really tough” to put high expectations on first-year players, Schick believes outside hitters Heather Benko (Sechelt, BC) and Meghan Vaags (Abbotsford, BC) will make an impact.
“For us," he says, "it is very much going to be success by committee."
As for vying for a conference crown, Schick adds, “We are going to give it our best shot.”
The 2022-23 AUS regular season will open on Friday, October 28, when the REDS visit the Axewomen and the Tigers will host the cross-city rival Huskies.
Both matches start at 7 p.m. and will be streamed via AUStv.ca.
Check out the full 2022-23 AUS women's volleyball schedule here.