Source: Canada West Communications
NEW WESTMINSTER – For the first time in a decade, Canada West women’s volleyball teams enter a new season looking to reclaim the national title.
Last season marked the first time since 2006-07 that a Canada West team didn’t top the national podium, as the Toronto Varsity Blues upset the Trinity Western Spartans in the national final, and in the process ended a nine-year run of Canada West national dominance.
Looking to reclaim the conference’s place atop the U Sports podium will be a host of Canada West teams this season and it all starts Friday when the 2016-17 regular season opens.
Entering the season as the favourites to claim Canada West gold are the Spartans, who took 11 of a possible 12 first-place votes in the annual coaches pre-season poll released Wednesday.
TWU earned 143 points in the poll, with their closest competitors Alberta and UBC Okanagan securing 126 and 119 points respectively.
The first U Sports top 10 poll of the season mirrors those predictions, as TWU, Alberta and UBCO slotted in one, two, three in the poll released earlier this week.
A total of six Canada West teams earned top 10 spots to open the season, with Calgary (No. 7), UBC (No. 8), and Brandon (No. 9) also earning national rankings, further highlighting what is expected to be a deep, competitive race for the conference crown.
For a complete look at each women’s team, check out the team previews below.
Once again this season, viewers will be able to watch every women’s volleyball regular season and playoff game on CanadaWest.tv with a conference volleyball pass for only $30 CAD.
For full team previews visit: canadawest.org