PREVIEW 2013 CIS women's volleyball championship

uOttawa played Sherbrooke three times in exhibition play, winning all three matches in five sets. Sherbrooke won a tight race for first place in Quebec during the regular season but was overwhelmed by Montreal in the best-of-three RSEQ final, losing 3-1 and 3-0. The CIS tournament hosts were a perfect 10-0 in their gym in league play, and uOttawa's exhibition victories all came in Ottawa or at neutral sites. Still, the Gee-Gees are riding a wave of confidence into their first CIS championships since 2007.

"We did some heavy lifting in the pre-season by winning matches against tough teams on the road. Those games and the experience we just had winning the OUA championship in a great atmosphere in another team's gym has us prepared and excited to play the host team at nationals," says 21-year sideline boss Lionel Woods, whose troops tallied six wins over Sherbrooke (3), Laval (2) and Montreal (1) in pre-season action. "This has been a three-year process with a core of players who have lost together, won together, been burned together and learned together -there is no doubt in my mind they will show up and leave it all on the floor from the first whistle on Thursday."

The eight-team national tournament, presented by Asics, gets under way Thursday at Université de Sherbrooke and concludes on Saturday with the gold-medal final at 4 p.m. All 11 matches from the single-elimination competition will be webcast live on www.CIS-SIC.tv.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEBSITE: http://english.cis-sic.ca/championships/wvball/index

The University of British Columbia Thunderbirds hope to enter the record books this week in Sherbrooke, Que., where they will attempt to become the third team in history to win the CIS women's volleyball championship for a sixth straight year.

Joining top-seeded and Canada West champion UBC at the tourney will be the No. 2 Montreal Carabins (RSEQ champions), No. 3 Ottawa Gee-Gees (OUA champs), No. 4 Trinity Western Spartans (Canada West finalists), No. 5 Dalhousie Tigers (AUS champs), No. 6 and host Sherbrooke Vert & Or (RSEQ finalists), No. 7 Alberta Pandas (Canada West bronze medallists), and No. 8 Laval Rouge et Or (RSEQ bronze medallists).

The T-Birds, who already hold the all-time record for most CIS banners overall (9), open their title defence Thursday at 3 p.m. against Laval. Other quarter-final match-ups include Dalhousie vs. Trinity Western at 1 p.m., Alberta vs. Montreal at 6 p.m. and Sherbrooke vs. Ottawa at 8 p.m.

In addition to UBC and Alberta (7), other contenders who have claimed the championship trophy in the past include Sherbrooke (2), Dalhousie (1) and Laval (1). Montreal, Ottawa and Trinity Western are still looking for their first title.

UBC, TWU and Alberta hope to resume the Canada West domination in the sport. Teams currently competing in the CWUAA (including schools from the now defunct Great Plains conference) have won 32 of the last 36 national titles. Laval (2006), Sherbrooke (2005, 2003) and Dalhousie (1982) are the only Eastern squads that have triumphed since 1977.

The Thunderbirds are enjoying yet another stellar campaign in 2012-13. They go into this week's championship sporting a sparkling 29-2 overall record versus CIS opponents, including a 21-1 regular schedule and a 2-0 mark at the Canada West Final Four. The 'Birds have won 22 straight matches since dropping their second conference game - against Trinity Western - back on October 27.

Despite losing national team member Kyla Richey - last year's CIS player of the year - to graduation following its 2012 title run, UBC still boasts a formidable lineup highlighted by Canada West all-stars Shanice Marcelle, a fifth-year outside hitter, setter Brina Derksen-Bergen, also a fifth-year senior, as well as junior outside hitter Lisa Barclay, the 2012 CIS championship MVP.

Marcelle is about to wrap up one of the most remarkable careers in CIS women's volleyball history. The four-time national champion was the CIS player of the year in 2010-11, is a two-time first-team all-Canadian and has been named to the all-tournament team following each of her first four CIS championship appearances, including in 2011, when she was voted tourney MVP. The Victoria native is once again the Canada West nominee for CIS-player-of-the-year honours this season.

With a sixth consecutive banner, the T-Birds would tie the all-time mark set by Winnipeg from 1983 to 1988 and equaled a decade later by Alberta (1995-2000). Interestingly enough, Sherbrooke is where the Wesmen originally established the record in 1988.

"I think there's more parity this season. For example, we're playing an experienced Laval team in the first round and they're seeded eighth," says head coach Doug Reimer, whose team scored a pair of 3-0 pre-season wins over the Rouge et Or in Quebec City. "I think there will be some very interesting first-round matches, let alone what that will produce after day one."

Seeded No. 2 for the competition, the Montreal Carabins claimed their fifth RSEQ crown in six years last weekend and appear ready to make another run at their first CIS trophy after defeating Top-10 rivals Laval and Sherbrooke in the Quebec playoffs.

The talented U of M roster includes a pair of national team members in outside hitter Marie-Sophie Nadeau and right side Vicky Savard, as well as two-time all-Canadian setter Alexandra Lojen, who is back on the court this season after her second reconstructive knee surgery in five years.

"I really think the top eight teams in the country qualified for nationals this year," says head coach Olivier Trudel. "Every game will be intense. Every team has a legitimate shot at the title and there could be a number of upsets."

Fourth-seeded Trinity Western has become a regular at the CIS championship in recent campaigns and is about to make its sixth appearance in eight years. The Spartans are the only CIS team to beat UBC this year, once in the pre-season and once in league play, and again pushed the five-time champs in the Canada West final before falling in four sets.

TWU was also the only squad other than UBC to reach the top of the national rankings this season. The Spartans led six straight weekly polls in October and November.

Fifth-ranked Dalhousie is red-hot going into its first CIS tournament since 2005. The Tigers are riding a 16-game winning streak, including a 3-0 defeat of Saint Mary's in the AUS title match, and have not lost a single set in 11 straight contests dating back to November 24.

"We have been working hard over the past five years and making strong strides each year to reach the top," says head coach Rick Scott. "The team had an excellent season and played very well in the AUS championship. We are really looking forward to the opportunity to show what Dalhousie Tigers women's volleyball is all about."

The sixth-seeded Vert & Or hope to regroup this week in front of their raucous home crowd.

"It will be a very special feeling to compete for a national championship at home. It's extremely motivating," says Sherbrooke mentor Denis Fontaine. "We have exceptional fans that provide us with tons of positive energy. Our team is on a mission and the atmosphere should be electric this week."

Despite a No. 7 seeding, Canada West bronze medallist Alberta can never be counted out once at the national championship. Making its 18th appearance in 21 seasons, the Edmonton powerhouse has claimed seven CIS banners over the years, tied with Winnipeg for second most all-time. The Pandas came oh-so-close to ending UBC's championship run a year ago, dropping a 3-2 gold-medal decision to the T-Birds after taking a two sets to one lead.

Laval is another program that has made a habit of competing for the national banner on an annual basis. The Rouge et Or, who missed last year's tourney after reaching the title match at home in 2011, is about to appear in its 32nd CIS championship in 35 years. The Quebec City team enjoyed another solid campaign but has struggled with consistency since the start of the new year, posting a sub-par 4-6 overall record in 2013.

PARTICIPATING TEAMS

No. 1 UBC Thunderbirds

Head coach: Doug Reimer (16th season)
Regular season record: 21-1
Regular season standing: 1st Canada West
Playoff record: 2-0
Playoff finish: Canada West champions
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 29-2
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 1
Top 10 best ranking: No. 1 (8 weeks)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 14
Conference award winners: Shanice Marcelle (MVP)
Conference 1st team all-stars: Shanice Marcelle (OH), Lisa Barclay (OH)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Brina Derksen-Bergen (S)
CIS championship best result: 9-time champions (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 1978, 1977, 1974, 1973)
CIS championship last appearance: 2012 (champions)
CIS championship sequence: 18th appearance in 19 years (missed 2007)

No. 2 Montreal Carabins

Head coach: Olivier Trudel (9th season)
Regular season record: 14-6
Regular season standing: 3rd RSEQ
Playoff record: 4-1
Playoff finish: RSEQ champions
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 24-16
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 5
Top 10 best ranking: No. 3 (1 week)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 12
Conference award winners: None
Conference 1st team all-stars: Marie-Sophie Nadeau (OH), Pamela Drapeau (M)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Sophie Bergeron-Leblanc (OH), Vicky Savard (RS)
CIS championship best result: Finalists (2008)
CIS championship last appearance: 2012 (4th place)
CIS championship sequence: 8th consecutive appearance

No. 3 Ottawa Gee-Gees

Head coach: Lionel Woods (21st season)
Regular season record: 16-2
Regular season standing: 2nd OUA
Playoff record: 3-0
Playoff finish: OUA champions
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 31-5
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 7
Top 10 best ranking: No. 4 (4 weeks)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 14
Conference award winners: Karina Krueger Schwanke (MVP)
Conference 1st team all-stars: Karina Krueger Schwanke (LS)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Christina Grail (S), Myriam English (LS), Kelsie English (RS)
CIS championship best result: Finalists (1980)
CIS championship last appearance: 2007 (6th place)
CIS championship sequence: Return after 5-year absence

No. 4 Trinity Western Spartans

Head coach: Ryan Hofer (8th season)
Regular season record: 19-3
Regular season standing: 2nd Canada West
Playoff record: 3-1
Playoff finish: Canada West finalists
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 28-6
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 2
Top 10 best ranking: No. 1 (6 weeks)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 14
Conference award winners: Kristen Moncks (libero)
Conference 1st team all-stars: Alicia Perrin (M), Kelci French (S)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: None
CIS championship best result: Bronze (2011)
CIS championship last appearance: 2012 (5th place)
CIS championship sequence: 3rd consecutive appearance (6th in 8 years)

No. 5 Dalhousie Tigers

Head coach: Rick Scott (4th season)
Regular season record: 16-2
Regular season standing: 1st AUS
Playoff record: 2-0
Playoff finish: AUS champions
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 24-3
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 3
Top 10 best ranking: No. 3 (3 weeks)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 14
Conference award winners: Louise Facca (student-athlete & community service), Rick Scott (coach)
Conference 1st team all-stars: Louise Facca (OH), Maggie Li (M)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Hilary Sears (S)
CIS championship best result: 1-time champions (1982)
CIS championship last appearance: 2005 (8th place)
CIS championship sequence: Return after 7-year absence

No. 6 Sherbrooke Vert & Or

Head coach: Denis Fontaine (3rd season)
Regular season record: 15-5
Regular season standing: 1st RSEQ
Playoff record: 0-2
Playoff finish: RSEQ finalists
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 22-18
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 8
Top 10 best ranking: No. 8 (5 weeks)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 11
Conference award winners: Roxanne Hasseni (MVP), Raïssa Nasser (rookie), Andréanne Whitton (libero), Denis Fontaine (coach)
Conference 1st team all-stars: Roxanne Hasseni (OH), Raïssa Nasser (OH)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Corinne Santerre (M)
CIS championship best result: 2-time champions (2005, 2003)
CIS championship last appearance: 2011 (tied 7th place)
CIS championship sequence: 2nd appearance in 3 years

No. 7 Alberta Pandas

Head coach: Laurie Eisler (21st season)
Regular season record: 15-7
Regular season standing: 3rd Canada West
Playoff record: 3-1
Playoff finish: Canada West bronze medallists
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 28-10
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): No. 6
Top 10 best ranking: No. 2 (1 week)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 14
Conference award winners: Jaki Ellis (student-athlete & community service)
Conference 1st team all-stars: Jaki Ellis (S)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Krista Zubick (LS)
CIS championship best result: 7-time champions (2007, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995)
CIS championship last appearance: 2012 (finalists)
CIS championship sequence: 4th straight appearance (18th in 21 years)

No. 8 Laval Rouge et Or

Head coach: Alain Pelletier (6th season)
Regular season record: 15-5
Regular season standing: 2nd RSEQ
Playoff record: 1-2
Playoff finish: RSEQ bronze medallists
Overall record vs. CIS teams: 19-14
Top 10 final ranking (Feb. 12): Unranked
Top 10 best ranking: No. 4 (5 weeks)
Top 10 number of weeks ranked (14 polls): 13
Conference award winners: None
Conference 1st team all-stars: Esther Gilbert (RS), Sophie Dallaire (M)
Conference 2nd team all-stars: Ã136ve Thibault (OH)
CIS championship best result: 1-time champions (2006)
CIS championship last appearance: 2011 (finalists)
CIS championship sequence: Return after 1-year absence (31st appearance in 34 years)

CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Wednesday, February 27
17:30 All-Canadian Awards Banquet (Delta Hotel)

Thursday, February 28
13:00 Quarter-final #1: No. 5 Dalhousie vs. No. 4 Trinity Western (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
15:00 Quarter-final #2: No. 8 Laval vs. No. 1 UBC (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
18:00 Quarter-final #3: No. 7 Alberta vs. No. 2 Montréal (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
20:00 Quarter-final #4: No. 6 Sherbrooke vs. No. 3 Ottawa (www.CIS-SIC.tv)

Friday, March 1
13:00 Consolation #1: Loser quarter-final #1 vs. Loser quarter-final #2 (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
15:00 Consolation #2: Loser quarter-final #3 vs. Loser quarter-final #4 (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
18:00 Semifinal #1: Winner quarter-final #1 vs. Winner quarter-final #2 (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
20:00 Semifinal #2: Winner quarter-final #3 vs. Winner quarter-final #4 (www.CIS-SIC.tv)

Saturday, March 2
11:00 5th place (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
13:00 Bronze medal (www.CIS-SIC.tv)
16:00 Championship final (www.CIS-SIC.tv)

About Canadian Interuniversity Sport

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