Royals eyeing to begin the PACWEST season this weekend with a positive start
November 4, 2021

Royals eyeing to begin the PACWEST season this weekend with a positive start

This Friday, the Douglas Royals women’s volleyball team are set to welcome the College of the Rockies Avalanche for three-straight nights at home to open the 2021-22 PACWEST season. It is the first time both teams will hit the court for regular season play after last year’s cancellation due to the global pandemic.

This Friday, the Douglas Royals women's volleyball team are set to welcome the College of the Rockies Avalanche for three-straight nights at home to open the 2021-22 PACWEST season. It is the first time both teams will hit the court for regular season play after last year's cancellation due to the global pandemic.  

In 2019-20, the Royals women finished the season at 3rd place in the conference, accumulating 26 points in 24 matches played.  

This year, the Royals return rejuvenated and ready to compete to their best ability. The women have already played in multiple preseason exhibition games, which included facing conference opponents VIU Mariners, Capilano Blues and Camosun Chargers. Their most-recent exhibition on October 22nd against the Chargers resulted in a 3-2 victory. 

For head coach Jeff Ross, these preseason matchups have been a great positive experience for the team in terms of preparing them for the season start. "The team is great. We've played lots of exhibitions, been to the island, and we've hosted a tournament- we have a lot of games under our belt." 

With a roster that includes experienced veterans and exciting young talent, Douglas has a lot to look forward to this season. Out of 16 players, 9 are in their first year of eligibility and will make their debut for the Royals.  

Noteworthy returning players: 

  • 5th year senior Jane Kepler is Douglas' most experienced returner, with 4 seasons under her belt. The 6'0 setter was selected as a First Team PACWEST Conference All-Star back in 2019-20 and finished the regular season averaging 8.11 assists per set. Her skill and experience will be a great help in moving the ball around the court to make the Royals' offense quick and effective. 

  • Liberos Trisha He and Logan Richter will once again don Royals colours this season as they look to play a huge defensive role for the team on the back half of the court. He notably finished first amongst PACWEST league leaders in total digs during the 2019-20 season, averaging 4.29 per set with a total of 343 digs in 80 sets played. 

  • On the front half of the court, 2nd year opposite hitter Grace McGillivray will also be an immediate force for the team's offense. In 2019-20 she was named to the PACWEST All-Rookie Team, accumulating 80 kills throughout the year.  

The Royals will be eyeing to start the season on a positive note as they host the College of the Rockies Avalanche for an exciting 3-game homestand starting Friday night. Their last matchup occurred on January 10, 2020, where Douglas came out with a 3-2 victory. As both teams return to competitive play, the Royals women are ready and anticipating to battle hard on the court and showcase their skills. 

"We're still finding our identity." Ross comments. "We just want to take it week-by-week and consider how we can grow, learn and become our best selves daily, which then will feed into weekly, monthly, and the year."  

Once again, the Douglas Royals women's volleyball team will begin their season this Friday night at 6pm hosting the College of the Rockies Avalanche in the New Westminster gym. Tickets for General Admission (19+) are $6 at the door, while DC students get in free. Proof of vaccination for all spectators 12+ is required.