By: Yildiz Subuk, Staff Writer
Editor’s note: this article has been printed with stats from as early as November 1, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.
The women’s volleyball team has seen a lot of success this season. With a current total of 14 wins and only four losses, the team could put up one of their best seasons yet. Their last outstanding season was in 2016, when they won 21 games and lost only eight. This roster seems to be on track to reaching a similar potential, as they’re currently riding an eight-game win streak. The team has significantly improved from last year, as they are only two games away from beating last year’s record in wins and have less than half the losses.
The Red Leafs’ volleyball team is part of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC). They are currently the top team in the league in conference matches with 10 wins and only one loss. They have been named team of the week, and have swept the competition 3–0 on eight occasions this season.
Brooke Dexter, who was named the GNAC’s offensive player of the week on October 7, currently leads in kills with 257. This is her 5th career offensive player of the week title in the GNAC. Dexter managed to get an impressive 33 kills in just two matches.
On October 21, Ezawa Malish claimed her first defensive player of the week title. So far, Malish has made 68 blocks this season, with head coach Gina Schmidt stating, “If a team has a key hitter, we are always hoping that Ezawa is matched up with them.” The defender has played a key role in the team’s success, ranking second in the GNAC for blocks per set (1.19).
The volleyball team is scheduled to play home games on November 14 at 7:00 p.m. and 16 at 5:00 p.m. They will take place at the West Gym on SFU’s Burnaby campus. Tickets are free for SFU students (show ID) and cost $13 for the general public.
SFU has two hockey rosters. One is a non-conference team (which means they are not affiliated with any league and can play other teams that are also unaffiliated), and the other is the BCIHL team, which plays against teams in their own division. The BCIHL, founded in 2006, hosts university teams across North America.
SFU’s BCIHL roster has had a promising start to their season, winning three games and losing one in their first four matchups. The non-conference team has had a tougher season, but has played a lot of challenging teams over the course of nine games (winning two back-to-back against Trinity Western and losing seven).
The non-conference roster has played against veteran teams such as the Lake Superior State Lakers, and are still adjusting to the competition. A current struggle the team looks to address is strengthening their special teams, as they gave up three powerplay goals, as well as one shorthanded, in a frustrating 8–2 loss to UBC. Regardless of the loss, the non-conference team looks to improve their game by playing teams looking for a higher division spot like the NCAA. Head coach Mark Coletta has stated that “NCAA hockey is not only a great game, it’s a pathway to the NHL and it provides hockey players education and a future in the game.”
The BCIHL roster has had some strong performances, as most of their games have been close. Two of their wins have come during overtime, while their only loss is to the Okanagan Lakers. A notable player for this roster is 21-year-old rookie Jayden Fodchuck, who currently leads the team in scoring with three goals in three games as well as an assist. Fodchuck joined the team recently, transferring from a BCHL juniors team called the Cranbrook Bucks.
There are three upcoming home games to look forward to during November, all taking place at Bill Copeland Sports Centre in Burnaby. The BCIHL roster takes on UVIC on November 8 at 7:00 p.m., while the non-conference team will skate at home on November 23 and 29, also at 7:00 p.m.
