Did someone say, “back-to-back”?
That is precisely what the Brock women’s volleyball team said last season when they raised the Quigley Cup as Ontario University Athletics (OUA) champions for the second consecutive season in 2022-23.
Having already established themselves as a force to be reckoned within in the U Sports volleyball world, the Badgers are looking to join elite company this season and become only the fourth program in OUA history to win three Quigley Cups in a row.
Guided by reigning OUA Coach of the Year, Steve Delaney, this year’s Badgers squad is loaded with veterans, all-stars, and some new players ready to continue to the level of excellence the program has established in recent years.
At the forefront for Brock this season will be their three returning OUA first team all-stars, Sadie Dick, Sara Rohr and Aleiah Torres.
Entering her third season, Sadie Dick is poised for another stellar campaign on the right side for her hometown Badgers. The St. Catharines product had a huge year in 2022/23 that saw her rack up 199 kills, 70 digs, and 53 blocks.
Back for her fifth season in a Badger uniform, setter Sara Rohr is coming off of back-to-back seasons where she was named an OUA first-team all-star. Last season was the best of her career as she set career highs in assists (647), digs (140), blocks (26), and service aces (11).
Libero, Aleiah Torres is also coming off of her best season as a Badger. Entering her fourth season for Brock, the Toronto native was second in the OUA last season in total digs (295) and digs/set (4.21). Expect Torres to be making some dazzling defensive plays for the Badgers again this season.
Coach Delaney has also brought in a number of new players to deepen the depth of the squad.
The new Badgers to watch for this season include: Eve Entwistle, Alaina Larochelle, Elvira Piriyeva, Mackenna Knox, Daryan Chadwick, Emma Baruchelli, Brianne Whalen and Kara Rakamnuaykit.
Brock was extremely impressive in team statistics last season leading the province in points/set as well as having the least amount of service reception errors. They were also second in block assists, fourth in blocks/set, fifth in total blocks, and fifth in digs/set.
The team looked strong in their limited preseason action, going 3-0 in the McMaster Thanksgiving Classic where they defeated UQAM, McMaster and Trinity Western.
The Badgers open up their season on the road this Saturday, Nov. 4 when they travel to Toronto to take on the York Lions at 1 p.m.
Last Season
Regular Season: 18-2
Playoffs: 3-2 (won Quigley Cup, lost in U SPORTS consolation semifinal)