University of Alberta volleyball tops national rankings

The University of Alberta Golden Bears have looked in control all season, currently sitting at 7-1. This dominance has earned them recognition from U Sports, ranking them third in the country in the most recent rankings.

Early success for the men

With help from Trent Cherewaty, who currently ranks second in the conference in blocks per set (1.52), the Bears are tied for the lowest sets against (5). Additional leaders include Matt Shand and Jacob Sargent, who both rank top five in hitting percentage. This firepower is giving the Bears the ability to end sets quickly.

Their one loss comes to the University of British Colombia Okanagan Heat (3-1), who they quickly took care of 3-1 the following day. Since then, they shut out the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades twice.

However dominant they look, the season will not be easy. The Trinity Western Spartans are sitting at 8-0, and lead the conference in almost every stat. These two teams look to face off on November 28 before winter break, which should be a hard-fought battle from both sides.

After losing in both the Canada West final and U Sports final, the Golden Bears have something to prove this season.

Last weekend, they swept the Mount Royal University Cougars at Saville Centre, only allowing them to win a single set. They hope to extend their three game win-streak next weekend against the Trinity Western Spartans, who currently sit at 6-2.

Queens of Canada West

Somehow even more impressive is the women’s team. The reigning Canada West champions (7-1) are the only one-loss team remaining in the division. U Sports has the Pandas ranked as the number one team in the country, and this year they’re looking at winning their first national title since 2007 after taking home bronze last year.

Abby Guezen leads Canada West in service aces per set (0.70), and is top five in kills per set (3.65). She spent the summer competing with the Canadian National Senior Team, which gives her elite experience. The six-foot-three middle blocker Ronnie Dickson ranks second in blocks per set (1.32), which ends any offensive effort quickly.

The Pandas also swept the Cougars at home last weekend. They did not allow them a single set, and they looked in control the entire weekend.

If the Pandas keep up this dominance, the veteran team is looking at a long-awaited national title.

A strong outlook heading into winter

Both teams have been sharp, disciplined, and consistent to start the year. The Bears are deeper and more battle-tested than they’ve been, while the Pandas already look like a complete group with the size and veteran experience needed to contend for a national banner.

It’s a great time to be a fan of Alberta volleyball. Head down to the Saville Centre and catch a match before winter break. With both programs pushing toward championship seasons, these are the kinds of teams you’ll want to say you saw in person.