The U of S volleyball teams aren’t expected to be serious threats to win their respective Canada West Conference volleyball titles in 2022-23.

At least according to the annual Coaches Polls released today by the Canada West Conference ahead of this week’s start to the season. The Saskatchewan women were ranked eighth in coaches poll points with Trinity Western, Mount Royal, U-B-C and U-B-C-Okanagan all receiving at least one first place vote. The Huskie men were fifth with Alberta and Trinity Western splitting the first place poll votes. Both U of S teams start this weekend in Alberta. Following are the news releases from the Canada West Conference…..

WVB: TWU favoured to complete elusive four-peat

Your full 2022-23 team-by-team season preview ahead of Friday’s opener

17 October 2022

CALGARY – Canada West is poised for another season of jaw-dropping women’s volleyball action as the best university athletes in the country square off in a marathon to conference glory.

Ahead of tip off Friday, coaches from across the west have weighed in on who they think will take home the Women’s Intervarsity Volleyball Trophy. Last year’s CW and U SPORTS champion, the Trinity Western Spartans finished atop the poll, with eight first-place votes from 13 coaches.

The Spartans will be looking to capture their fourth-straight CW title this season, with a strong program that breathes success. Despite losing a key setter and middle, the Spartans’ depth will look to have them back atop the west.

The Mount Royal Cougars finished just behind the Spartans in preseason polling, garnering 152 points and three first-place votes. The Cougars fell short to the Spartans in last season’s national championships, earning silver after their CW bronze. With most of their key components returning, the Cougars are hungry to capture their first-ever conference title.

Rounding out the top three is the UBC Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds will be looking to avenge their CW Final Four loss from a season ago, with a slew of key additions to add to their returning core. The program last won a CW Championship in 2013-14, but took home U SPORTS gold as recent as 2018-19. They’ll be eager to secure their 17th CW title in school history.

It all starts Friday, with a full slate of games. The top three poll finishers will all be looking to start their seasons with energy at home. For the complete schedule, click here.

2022-23 CW WVB PRESEASON COACHES POLL

Team – Points (First-place votes)

Trinity Western Spartans – 156 (8)
Mount Royal Cougars – 152 (3)
UBC Thunderbirds – 146 (2)
UBCO Heat – 135 (1)
Alberta Pandas – 124
Calgary Dinos – 100
Manitoba Bisons – 94
Saskatchewan Huskies – 88
Fraser Valley Cascades – 77
Thompson Rivers WolfPack – 69
Winnipeg Wesmen – 51
Brandon Bobcats – 34
Regina Cougars – 25
MacEwan Griffins – 23

MVB: Alberta earns edge in preseason poll

Your full 2022-23 team-by-team season preview ahead of Friday’s opener

17 October 2022

CALGARY – The drama that is Canada West men’s volleyball is set to return for another season of blink-and-you-miss-it action. With rivalries renewed, the country’s top teams will begin their battle for the conference title Friday.

Ahead of tip-off for the 2022-23 season, CW coaches have selected Alberta as the favourite to hoist the Costa Chrysanthou Trophy. The team earned 140 points in the poll with eight first-place votes. The defending U SPORTS national champions boasted the conference’s top offence in 2021-22 and will see their strong hitting core return this season. They’ll be looking to power their way to their 14th CW title and their first since 2014-15.

The Trinity Western Spartans finished close behind the Bears with 136 points and four first-place votes. The Spartans had a nearly-perfect conference record last season before going on to win their third-straight CW title. Despite losing a couple key players, the team’s returning stars will be helped by their roster depth as they look to remain on top of Canada West.

Rounding out the top three are the UBC Thunderbirds, a team hungry for their first Canada West title since 1986. The Thunderbirds have fielded strong programs, last winning a U SPORTS championship in 2018. They’ll be looking to make a statement this year with several strong recruits and a returning core.

It all starts Friday, with a full slate of games. The top three vote-getters will have the energy of their home fans behind them as they look to start their seasons with a bang. For the complete schedule, click here.