With the Ryerson Invitational Tournament championship already under their belt, the Mustangs are ready to start the OUA season this weekend against the Brock Badgers and Ottawa Gee-Gees. Captain Rebecca Oxland, 2011-2012 team MVP Stephanie Krueter, and long-time veteran player and powerhouse blocker Erin Miller are gearing up for a strong season.
The Mustangs have many promising recruits this season including Ontario provincial player Candice Scott. The 6-foot middle is expected to be a big part of the new look Mustangs team in only her first season. Scott’s Waterloo Predators teammate Katie McLay also joins the Mustangs the season and the left side and libero brings a wealth of energy and leadership to the team.
Brock Badgers - Saturday, October 20 - 2:00 p.m.
The Brock Badgers had a successful 2012-2013 pre-season, including capturing the McMaster Invitational over Thanksgiving weekend. The exhibition season was key for a Badgers team that takes the court looking to replace a number of key veterans.
Brock is without the services of four year veteran (2008-2012) and 2011-2012 OUA First Team All-Star Rachel Roorda as both players have graduated. Recent graduate Ally Fast has also left the team and will be replaced by second-year player Lauren Stirling as starting setter for the Badgers this season. Last year Stirling finished the season with 115 kills, 26 blocks, 13 aces and four assists, good to earn her a spot on the OUA All-Rookie Team and was also selected for the Ontario U19 team.
Ottawa Gee-Gees - Sunday, October 21 - 1:00 p.m.
The Ottawa Gee-Gees have been consistently improving over the past few years. In the 2010-2011 season, the Gee- Gees earned a bronze medal in the OUA women’s volleyball championship, and last season stepped it up to capture the OUA silver medal.
Facing 2011 CIS silver medalists the Laval Rouge et Or earlier in September for an exhibition tournament, the Gee- Gees won a competitive match against a tough Rouge et Or team en route to a 9-2 exhibition record.
2011-2012 OUA First Team All-Star Karina Krueger Schwanke from Brazil is returning to the Gee-Gees for another season and is looking to continue the momentum from last year. Krueger Schwanke finished first in the OUA in service aces (48), and finished fifth in the OUA last year with 228 points. Ottawa lost starting libero Claudia Seguin to graduation but has many returning players and promising recruits including setter Michelle Chevalier. Chevalier , a transfer from the NCAA’s Mississippi Valley State becomes eligible to dress on November 20.
