The CapU Blues (8-4) women's volleyball team head into winter break after an impressive first-semester outing, which sees them tied for second place with the Camosun Chargers (8-4). The Blues have been led by a strong group of veterans; fourth-year all-Canadian, Kira Sutcliffe who averages 3.41 kills per set and is ranked first in total offensive stats in the PACWEST; fourth-year Alexis Sebok, who is ranked seventh in total offense; Mika Chow who currently leads the PACWEST in digs at 4.74 per set and fourth-year setter, Sarah Hughes who has been a consistent contributor and leader in most matches. Head coach Cal Wohlford also pointed out first-year power hitter Meghan Koven, "she is a big standout player for us and is really stepping into her role at power; she is developing a good view of the court and continues to gain confidence with every match."
Wohlford is hoping for a more consistent back-end to the season, "I think our performance was a little up and down, which is typical in the first-semester as we were experimenting with different line-ups and getting everyone in to play. Now we are honing in on our starting line-up and I expect a lot of good things to come out of that. I think we have a lot of talent on our team."
The men's volleyball team entered the 2015-2016 season under the new direction of Emmanuel Denguessi and put together a 4-8 first semester, which puts them in a tie with the College of the Rockies (COTR) for fifth place in the PACWEST. The Blues are led by second-year libero Matthew Graham, averaging 3.73 digs per set (second in PACWEST) and second-year outside hitter, Brendan Cairns who averages 4.48 kills per set which is good enough to lead the PACWEST in kills and total offensive stats. Fourth-year Victor Zych has been a consistent performer all semester ranking fourth in aces and seventh in kills per set placing him eighth overall in total offensive stats in the PACWEST.
Head coach Emmanuel Denguessi has been impressed by the resilience and healthy team atmosphere throughout the entire fall semester. "At the start of the year, our objective was to make playoffs. As the season progressed and we played against the other teams, we realized that we have the potential and talent to win a medal this year." To make this a possibility, Denguessi says the team will focus on staying physically fit over the break and work on their individual and collective defensive systems.
After the break, the Blues resume league play as they travel to Cranbrook to take on the COTR Avalanche on Friday, Jan. 8th and Saturday, Jan. 9th.
