2022-23 Lancer Volleyball Season Preview

By Mia Ines
 
The 2022-23 OUA volleyball season is here and that means the blue and gold are gearing up for their first matchup of the OUA regular season.
 
The Lancers kick off the season this Friday, November 4th in a weekend series against the Waterloo Warriors at the Toldo Lancer Centre.
 
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
This year the blue and gold are looking to improve on last year’s finish after an early exit in the OUA quarter-finals to the unbeaten McMaster Marauders. Pushing the nationally ranked Marauders to five sets is motivating to the squad to see how far they can go.
 
Fifth year setter Anthony DiGirolamo states, “we are all excited. Last year there was a lot of uncertainty due to covid restrictions so to know we are getting a full season in the new gym is a great feeling.”
 
Head coach James Gravelle agrees. “All of the hard work done by the student-athletes during the off-season will be on display come November 4th and having the chance to compete in our new building will also be special.”
 
The Lancers have made some key additions over the summer to add to this year’s roster. “We graduated two key players in Dami Alalade and Sean Spencer and added two veterans at the same positions, in Stephen Kary and Zach Albert,” explains Gravelle. “Stephen and Zach have quickly integrated themselves into the group and we expect them to have a big impact for us this season. Furthermore, the veteran group with many leaders will help set the tone of the atmosphere including setter Anthony DeGirolamo for year five along with Liberos Sam Mckeague and Steven Abrams. These veterans have a good amount of experience in the OUA to draw upon as this season begins.”
 
Although the squad has stumbled upon some challenges with the little time the whole group has been together during the pre-season, Windsor is quickly adapting and are prepping for the team to come together in the opener versus Waterloo.
 
“We have always had a very tight knit group and this year is no different,” commented DeGirolamo. “We added a handful of new guys this year and everyone has been a natural fit on and off the court. It makes going to the gym every day that much more fun”
 
On the court, the Lancers resemble a strong serving team that offers variation throughout the lineup. Gravelle says, “We use this strength to help keep our opponents uncomfortable as they set up their offence. We also pass the ball well which helps to set our own offence.”
 
As the blue and gold have set up team goals to work to achieve during the season, Gravelle emphasizes his hope for a great season on the court, student-athletes success in the classroom, engage in the community, and have a great time doing it.
 
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
As both the coaching staff and student-athletes are excited to be back on the court, there is a different sense of meaning in the air to both the team’s program and others that gives rise to the physical and mental preparation done to enter this season. Nevertheless, the Lancers have their eyes set on a good playoff seeding and individual and team goals to make it to the postseason. 
 
Second year right side player Emma Shepherd explains. “Not having a COVID season, being back to normal, and being in the new centre are things that have us, as a team, itching to get on the court to compete. I definitely feel a sense of relief that the time has finally come, but now it’s go time and I couldn’t be more excited.”
 
When asked about the feelings heading into the new season, head coach Lucas Hodgson discusses, “It feels great; seeing these athletes compete in what has been a very challenging couple of years for all. They have been working hard trying to improve daily.”
 
Taking a look at this year’s recruiting class and current roster, fans have a lot to look forward to.  The new faces include Aliah Admans, Abby Scott and Marlee Horton and the three transfers, Lia DiGeraloma, Olivia Foley and Danika Scharff.
 
First year Admans will make an immediate impact , while fourth year setter Nicole Woelk’s athleticism will help the team. The offense of all of the squad’s hitters are as strong as ever and will be worth the watch the see their live-action. “The roster has depth which is going to be very helpful in this long season,” states Hodgson.
 
Although each player is some form of a leader to a degree, senior players Yaila Sealy and Emma Shepherd will help keep the team stay grounded and on track towards their overall goals. Also to keep an eye on are middle blockers’ Megan Gahima and Jordyn Brearly as they use their speed and agility to get blocks and run plays that will contribute to the team’s scoring on a regular basis.
 
The hard work and effort put in so far is no surprise as the blue and gold have been devoting their time both physically and mentally. With the addition of a mental performance coach, the Lancers are ready to take their game to the next step and compete at the high level even if other factors on and off the court are not weighed in their favour.
 
Sealy explains, “one focus we’ve been working on to improve from last season is our out of system game. When we have the ball in system, we are very good at controlling the play and scoring. But we aren’t always in system, so it’s important to be able to keep that same control so we can score in less favourable situations of the game.”
 
Hodgson emphasized the team’s importance of finding a balance between holding each other accountable and as well as being supportive to one another a daily basis. On the court they push each other and off the court, the team carries strong bonds that make for a great training environment.
 
“This year, coach Hodgson established that our team goal is to host a playoff game and to ultimately be an OUA final four team,” said Shephard. “The steps to get there are definitely big but they are achievable as long as we stay dedicated and driven. As a team we have to stick together and come together as much as we can so we can make those goals a reality.”
 
Ultimately, Windsor has the individual and collective motivation to have the potential to be a Final Four team in the OUA and that will be put on display as the season starts this week.
 
GAME DETAILS
The journey for the Windsor Lancers begins this Friday, November 4th at the new Toldo Lancer Centre. The women will play first at 6:00pm, followed by the men at 8:00pm.
 
Tickets
Tickets for the event can be purchased in advance at goLancers.ca/tickets.
 
Parking & Facility Access
Parking for the event is located in the south parking lot at the back of the Toldo Lancer Centre. Fans are asked to enter through the varsity game entrance also located on the south side of the building and not through the main entrance doors on the east side.
 
Access to the stands is from the second level, and accommodations for those with accessibility needs will be met.