Trojans eager to return to playoff picture

By Ian Gustafson

CALGARY, ALTA., (Sept. 19, 2018) - The SAIT Trojans women’s volleyball team have a simple goal for the season – return to the post-season.

In the 2017/2018 season, the team finished with an 8-16 record, placing them in fifth spot in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference’s (ACAC) South Division and 12 points out of a playoff berth. It was the first time in the last four seasons the Trojans did not make to the playoffs.

“We need to make sure we are siding out the ball better than we did last year. We just allowed other teams to score too many points on us,” said head coach Art O’Dwyer, who is entering his eighth season as coach of the Trojans. “Injuries hurt us as well. Some players were asked to play a little more than we were expecting, but it allowed them to learn first-hand what it takes to play at this level. We hope to benefit from that this year.”

With five returning starters, including the impressive middle tandem of Taylor Ellis and Simran Dhami, O’Dwyer is hoping it is his new faces that add to the mix this season.

“I’ve added two new liberos in Amy Chailler and Kristen Leippi, and I expect the two of them to play a big part in the season. Both are very strong,” O’Dwyer said. “I’ve brought in a few outside hitters as well. Those were the two areas I wanted to try add depth to this season.”

One of the new faces is not that of a rookie, but veteran setter Elly Prince, who comes in with a couple of seasons under her belt at the USports level with stops at Saint Mary’s and Brandon University.

“She has impressed me,” stated O’Dwyer. “She is older and has some experience, so I expect her to make some contributions and become a leader.”

Key departures from last season are Jayden Roch, who led the team with 168 kills, and four-year libero Stephanie Kirkland.

“Those are kids who have been with our program for a while, so you notice when they move on,” he said. “That said, their absence means a spot is open for someone willing to work hard enough to take it.”

The Trojans will open their season against Ambrose University on Thursday, Oct. 3 at 6pm at SAIT.