The Matchup
Although the Brandon Bobcats are not part of the AUS league, much like the Sea-Hawks they are eager to get the volleyball season rolling. The teams will use this exhibition weekend to work out any kinks and make sure they each head into their competitive season with precision. Although Memorial finished last season ranking at the bottom, they come into 2019-2020 feeling optimistic. The Sea-Hawks have picked up four new recruits that they expect to make an impact.
Hawks Eye
This season we expect to see strong offensive leadership from 3rd year outside hitter Kaitlyn Kutchinka who had 494 total attacks last season. In 2018 Kutchinka ranked 15th overall in the conference for kills, registering 115 in 18 matches, she also had a total of 22 services aces. Expected to impact the defense this season is Libero Katie Wager. This Sea-Hawks Libero was ranked 10th in the conference for digs with 192 in her 16 matches played. Working in the Sea-Hawks favor for this matchup is the Bobcats loss of their dominating Senior left-side Nikala Majewski. Not having this offensive force will play a major role in the Bobcats kill-count. The graduated senior who had the highest number of kills for her squad, doubling her nearest teammates number, had a whopping 393 kills in 24 matches. Although Brandon has lost a vital component of their offense, they may very-well have gained some impressive rookies and no-doubt will bring powerful returning players.
Coaches Comments
As the Sea-Hawks continue to rebuild coach Slauenwhite is hopeful that with ten returning players and four first year athletes the team will be successful in improving on last year's results. The team has been working hard in their off-season with the goal of getting closer to a championship like in past successful seasons. The four rookies are expected to bring individual skill and a competitive team dynamic to help the team in their journey to developing into a strong volleyball force. As for this season, the team hopes to find themselves in a play-off spot and continue their development in improving each season. Coach Slauenwhite says "[they] are excited to have Brandon University heading east next week for three exhibition matches. They are a very strong, well coached program who will test our young team. The experience will help us prepare for our second exhibition weekend in Ottawa as well as the AUS season."