Excellence isn’t easy to forecast, but the Douglas College Royals women’s volleyball team is going to give it a go.
Fresh off of dominating the PacWest League’s regular season, with a 21-3 record and dropping only 20 out of 92 sets, the Royals enter this week’s provincials with a full head of steam.
They are motivated to get back to the B.C. final after a hard-fought but disappointing loss last year. Advancing to the nationals is a treasured goal, and one within their grasp. Most importantly, they have worked towards it all season.
Co-captain Claudia Corneil says with the playoffs, it is crucial that no one has a preconception of how it will go. Expectations, when not coupled with action, are minefields for the favoured and ranked.
Douglas, which has sat atop the national CCAA rankings since the start of the month, is an obvious target for any hard-working underdog. Corneil said no matter who stands on the other side, it is the Royals’ role to be ready to get the job done.
“We’re really just focusing on our side of the net. Especially provincials, it really is a weekend of unpredictable matches,” said the third-year blocker. “None of the games in the past matter, so if we just stay consistent on our side and don’t change, regardless of who’s on the other side of the net and what they’re doing, I think we’ll be fine and we’ll find success at the end.”
Douglas defeated Capilano 3-1 and 3-2 last week to wrap up the regular season. It was a weekend where those players not returning, and those who’ve been in supporting roles, got more floor time. It meant Saturday’s final, which came to a fifth set, decided 15-13 for the Royals, had them fired up to finish on a high note.
The emotion of the final home game for some fell into the background with the game on the line.
“Thinking that maybe we’re going to give it up to Capilano was not really an option for us, but I think that only clicked in in that fifth set when we knew it was make or break at that point,” said Corneil.
This year’s charge has been led by a whole crew, with first-year players sharing turning point moments with third-year vets. Head coach Jeff Ross has empowered the players to step out of their comfort zones. Among those who’ve stepped into the spotlight and garnered plenty of notice, from opposing players and coaches, have been Vania Oliveira and Caet McCorkell.
Oliviera, a rightside standout from Brazil, has grown into a big-play role for the squad and was named the PacWest’s Player of the Year, as well as a first-time all-star spot, alongside teammate Jane Kepler.
“We call her our spicy Brazilian, because Vania just does her own thing out there,” said Corneil with a laugh. “She goes out, bangs balls and we know what to expect from her. … She’s been great and has really developed herself as a player – being more smart with her shots, not always going up there swinging but tipping.”
Oliviera placed fourth in the league in kills, averaging 3.14 per
set, and total offensive stats. A week ago she was the league’s Player of the Week, having sparked Douglas past No. 2 Vancouver Island in twin sweeps in Nanaimo.
McCorkell, from Kamloops, has gone from freshman to powerhouse as an outside hitter en route to claiming the top rookie award.
“We all knew what (McCorkell) was capable of but we were just waiting for her to come out of her shell, just give some fiery energy and even a bit of attitude (at the start of the year). She doesn’t have any attitude at all but just watching her come into her own confidence, there has been a huge difference for her,” said Corneil.
McCorkell finished second in kills (3.38 average), fourth in aces and second overall offensive production. Corneil stood second overall in digs per set (3.90), while second-year blocker Olivia Cesaretti was third-best in the league in blocks (0.75 per set). Other top-10 stats contributors were fourth-year Vicki Schley (8th in kills, 2.64 per) and freshman Kendra Potskin (8th in blocks, 0.59 per).
Those were the leaders, but Corneil said, even as co-captain, along with setter Abby Mitro, the team doesn’t rely upon any leader or leaders to push the message.
“The strength of this team is, I’d say, is definitely that we are a group of 17 leaders. ... Each one of these girls has such a big personality and is capable of leading this team. I think that really sets us apart. No one is leading anyone, we’re all kind of leading ourselves and driving off of each other and I think that’s where we’re finding most of our success,” she said.
Wearing the target this weekend as the favourite means they’ll get their chance. While oddsmakers would plug them into the final, Corneil said no one gets a bye and it will all come down to who can take three games first, starting on opening day.
“We already know we can beat all the teams in our league but like I said, the provincials are so unpredictable. Teams come out and play like they never have all season. We just need to be prepared to play whoever it is and bring our A game,” said Corneil.
The provincials begin on Friday for Douglas, when they will face the winner between Fraser Valley and College of the Rockies at 6 p.m. at the Valley campus. The championship game is slated for 6 p.m. on Saturday.
