At different times during the back half of the Canada West season, right sides Light Uchechukwu and Ella Gray have visited 304 Max Bell for interviews. The purpose is to hear about how the season has gone from their perspective, and to allow the student-athletes the opportunity to express themselves and share their story.
Unprompted, both players used the platform to heap praise on their counterpart in spectacular fashion.
“The fact that we’re playing the same position going in and out, you’d think there would be some tension, but there truly isn’t. If I’m on, she’s my biggest fan, if she’s on, I’m her biggest fan,” commented Uchechukwu with her trademark smile.
“And also, Ella is so sick, so it makes you want to be better too. It’s a healthy competition that’s brought the best of both of us.”
“I love and appreciate Light so much. She brings such great energy and kindness and calmness,” added Gray. “I can always go to her. On the court, she’s someone who is a breath of fresh air. She brings so much to this team.”
Building off Gray’s comment, both players bring so much to the Herd. They’re each at over 100 kills this season, and last year, the duo passed 200 a piece. They can also play anywhere, having proven that in year’s past.
The third-year Uchechukwu is a few years older than second-year Gray, and this summer she was part of Volleyball Canada’s NextGen Program. The team is viewed as the “entry point” for anyone aspiring to play for Team Canada, facilitating full-time, high-performance training during the summer months.
Gray, a native of British Columbia stayed busy as well.
Funny enough, she trained at times with one of the coaches from with NexGen program. And in fitting fashion, both players came into this season feeling “calmer.”
“You can get there with one step, but I’m taking 10,000 to get there [for an attack],” reflected Uchechukwu.
“I’m slowly starting to mature. In my first year I wasn’t calm, so I think that’s a huge thing, is staying calm and waiting to defend the ball instead of guessing,” added Gray. “Obviously I still have work to do, but I think it has improved since last year for sure.”
The progression of both athletes this season has been evident, and they’re only getting better.
During a six-game win streak that has Manitoba nationally ranked at No. 10 (and deep in the top four discussion at 12-6), Uchechukwu and Gray have combined for 112 kills (including 22 from the former last Saturday against Saskatchewan) and 76 digs.
Stats aside, the expression on each of their faces tells the story. They care about each other.
“Light is such a sophisticated player. She knows where to place the ball, she can pass, she’s great defensively and her blocking is really good. I look up to Light a lot,” declared Gray with conviction.
From Uchechukwu: “[Gray] can hit the ball so hard. Her arm swing is so fast, I’m jealous. It’s just so quick.”
The connection the pair share is a microcosm of the team overall. They have nothing but love for each other, and it’s expressed in their play.
No one gives up on a ball or quits. Take assists leader Katreena Bentley, who’s flying anywhere and everywhere to keep a rally going. Even when players have gone down to illness or injury, others have stepped up.
Notably, six different players have at least 70 kills, including national Rookie of the Year frontrunner Raya Surinx, who is fourth in Canada West with 225. Defensively, Manitoba is in the top five in digs per set, at 14.23.
“Everyone is good in their own ways, and it’s awesome for me, because I get to be like okay how do you do that? Andi, how do you roll the ball there? I’m taking something from each hitter each day. I value them being there so much,” noted Gray.
“[Left side] Andi [Almonte] is really crafty. She can put the ball in really good spots, so that’s awesome. I always try to look at her for that. She can just put the ball anywhere, so can tip it, she can roll it. Raya obviously is a powerhouse. She can hit the ball so hard and she flies. Obviously I look at that and say okay, how are you doing that?”
With three weekends left in the regular season, the Bisons are right in the conversation to host a home playoff series. The picture will get clearer this week as they face 13-5 Winnipeg, who are just in front of them.
That series begins Thursday as part of the back half of the Duckworth Challenge. Both teams are loaded with talent, setting up for an all-time classic.
“Our passing has improved I feel, and communicating who has what. I think we’re settling into the season and how we’re playing with each other,” Gray said. “Our team, we have a lot of really strong hitters which I feel is really important.”