Jefferson Hagen / MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – It wouldn't be a stretch to consider this the strongest team Ken Briggs has had since the Griffins entered the Canada West women's volleyball ranks in 2014.
Not only is every single starter back from a season ago, but he added a couple of key rookies, gained an NCAA transfer and also saw the return of two veterans who missed all of last season with knee injuries.
A playoff berth is definitely a possibility for the Griffins, especially since Canada West has expanded the post-season field to eight teams from seven last season.
"We've really talked a lot the last few years about our growth," said Briggs. "We know what we need to do, we know the record that, based on history, gets us into the playoffs. But we're really trying not to focus on that. We're trying to focus on our vision. Are we the best team we can be today?
"That's a hard thing not to look ahead. You'd be silly to think they aren't (aiming for playoffs), but as a group, they know what they need to do."
The Griffins will open a new season this weekend in Kamloops, B.C. as they pay a visit to Thompson Rivers University (Friday, 7 p.m. MT) and Saturday (6 p.m. MT, both games on Canada West TV).
MacEwan will be led by program all-time kills record holder Cassidy Kinsella, who heads into her final season of eligibility. Kate Rozendaal (outside hitter), Karly Edgar (libero) and Claire McLoughlin (setter) are also entering their final season.
Outside hitters Michelle Bodnarek and Shaunessy Hemens are back on the court after missing all of the 2016-17 campaign with knee injuries.
"Michelle's a left-handed outside hitter presence, which is unique and very valuable on the right side," said Briggs. "She's really jumped back in quickly. There's a lot of learning that goes on when you sit and watch for a year. I thought it was very educational for her to see it from that point of view. She's come in, I believe, a lot more game savvy.
"Shauny is a competitor," he added. "That's why she came to this program. I've watched her improvement almost daily, it seems. She's very, very close to getting back to where she left off. She was out a year and a half because she injured herself in her club season."
The Griffins are also adding former University of Milwaukee setter Amanda McDonald, who is from Edmonton, as well as two freshmen right out of high school – Tess Pearman (OH/M) of Ponoka, Alta. and Jordyn Thomas (OH) of Wilkie, Sask.
Returnees Hailey Cornelis (OH), Rachel Jorvina (LB), Haley Gilfillan (M), Zoe Cronin (LB), McKenna Stevenson (M), Kylie Schubert (S), Carly Weber (M), Lauren Holmes (OH) and Mackenzie Oshanek-Gladue (S) round out a deep and talented Griffins roster.
Their last action was a championship celebration at centre court in the Winnipeg Wesmen's gym earlier this month when they beat Manitoba to claim a preseason tournament title at the Unruh Realty Classic.
"Sometimes we forget how tough preseason is, but it's been really good," said Briggs. "We're into a routine now. I think we're looking forward to this week because now we're into that regular routine again. They're ready to go.
"They know what we need to do. We have some depth – all those things we've been working towards are starting to fall into place."
TRU has lost former U Sports player of the year Iullia Pakomenko to graduation, but they've added two more Ukrainian players – 6-foot-4 outside hitter Yevgeniya Nyukalova and 6-foot-2 setter Anastasiya Muzyka.
Last season, the squads split the series.
"We've always had good matches with them," said Briggs. "Even with her, we were always in the hunt. They're one of the teams we need to contend with. They definitely have size. And they're like us. They've been in the league longer, but Chad (Grimm)'s had this group for almost the same time as our entrance into Canada West. He's really developed a nice group and has some experience coming back, along with some new pieces."