The Axewomen volleyball team will 'hit the road running' this season with a combination experienced veterans returning and a handful of new faces with great competitive spirit.
The Axewomen missed post-season play last year with a fifth place, 4-16 record, but it can be noted that in February of 2017, the Axewomen finished the season with a win against third place Saint Mary's and a 3-2 loss to first place Dalhousie.
"Everyone is extremely motivated heading into our regular season competition. We have demonstrated we can compete early on in exhibition, which is exciting but it is still early and there is more work to be done," said head coach Michelle Wood.
"Our athletes are taking communication, team work and accountability to a very positive level which will benefit our program through out the year," Wood added.
Several key players return for the 2017-18 season including fifth year outside hitter Sarah Ross. Ross missed most of last season due to injury and she's incredibly driven to make her final year of eligibility count with the Axewomen. Both Sarah Ross and 3rd year right side hitter Lauryn Renzella will be key players to watch within the AUS this season.
Fourth year libero Kailey Evans replaced former libero Hillary Monette in last season and did an admirable job in her first year as the starting libero. Gaining valuable experience last season, Wood hopes that Evans will add a leadership element to the team's chemistry.
Several rookie players will make an impact on the team this coming season. Wood notes that a few first-year athletes have turned heads of the coaching staff.
"As a coaching staff, we are incredibly impressed with all of the first-year student-athletes that have joined our roster. Sydney Tonner and Bianca Ruiz have already demonstrated some early leadership as well as experience in the weight room," said Wood.
"In such a short time, Lucy Glen-Carter has established herself as an offensive threat in exhibition as has our 6'2.5 Outside Hitter, Taylor Collombin with her blocking presence", noted Wood.
Wood added, "Claudia Yoell and Jill Goss are vital additions to the roster as they continue to learn and compete daily. Each of them provide something different that has raised the level of our program. I have already seen significant improvements with them physically in the weight room and technically on the court."
The coaching staff this season will include two newcomers including Adam Spurrell, who has provincial program experience and Jade DeCoste, who played with the Nipissing Lakers (2012-2016) and was the head coach of the 15U Axe Volleyball Club team last season and an assistant coach with Volleyball Nova Scotia's Elite Development Camp.
Returning on the bench this season are assistant coaches Geoffrey Daniels, Josh Crouse and Andrew Costa.
Wood has been pleased with the team's progress in exhibition play, where they posted three 3-2 losses and a win against the Toronto Varsity Blues.
"Our training environments have been competitive, with each player challenging their teammates to bring their best forward. Like most programs, we need to ensure we remain healthy. We have implemented better injury management strategies and we are using sport sciences to support our recovery and fuelling habits," concluded Wood.
The Axewomen open the regular season this weekend with a home opener scheduled against Dalhousie on Friday night at 7:00 p.m. and then on the road to Saint Mary's on Saturday night.