Mav Alumni leading the Way

2014 / 01 / 05

The future dreamed of by these former Mavs is now. The training and travel representing the club is showing up all across the country with recognition from CIS and CCAA coaches for their readiness to compete. Most importantly these Alumni are managing the demands of a varsity volleyball career and a post secondary education timetable.

On the Men’s side the #1 team in the Nation (McMaster) is captained by former Maverick Jori Mantha. Jori was recently named the MVP of the recent Alden Cup tournament in Florida. His Marauders, which also feature former Mav coach Nathan Jansen, claimed the title in a tie break with the Waterloo Warriors who sport three ex-Mav players (Brandon Baker, Phillipe Piche and Trevor Coathrup) and one coach (Karch MacLean) on their roster. Waterloo is on the heels of the Marauders in the OUA standings pushing the Marauders to the limit in their last league battle and winning their contest in Florida.

In the CIS individual ranking Mantha stands 4th in hitting percentage. An individual statistic that is topped by another Mav Alum and ex-teammate of Jori’s: Phil James. Phil is in his final year with the UWO Mustangs. Looking at league statistics Phil Goyer of Queen’s University is sitting 10th in both Kill % and points per set. Over in the RSEQ we find Bruno Lortie in the top 10 of at least four different provincial categories as a second year. Bruno is returning to the defending Champion Laval Rouge et Or and sits 39th in K/S nationally.

Looking at solo blocks, Nipissing rookie Warren Taylor is making noise with 19 placing him 6th in the Nation. Going down the list we find Phil James not far behind along with Mantha and another Rookie Nicholas Pirnat of York.

On the Women’s side Mavericks abound in many categories. Looking from a national perspective, the number one points per set (total of kills, blocks and aces) player is 2010 alum Myriam English. Myriam is the Captain of the OUA leading and 8th seed Nationally U of O Gee Gee's. The Gee Gee's also just won the Innsbrook tournament also played in Florida. (Seems our Alumni like the Sunshine state)

Also in the top ten we also find twin sister Kelsie English both represent the Uof O Gee Gee’s. Between them at #5 Sophie Carpentier of the fifth ranked Trinty Western Spartens. Staying on page one we see Charlotte Sider (U of T) and Vicky Savard (U de M, ranked #3 in Canada). But attacking isn’t the only area that Mavs are making their mark. Rounding out the CIS top 10 is the AUS leading Saint Mary's Huskies featuring three Mav Alumn.

Defensively on the first page of digs/set we find, Steph Theiler from the Gee Gee's leading the Mav Alum at #20, with Gillian Henderson (U Waterloo) along with Sider and Kelsie English again all in the top 50. Front row defense is defined by solo blocks, point garnered by blocking your opponent. Here we find Mallory Litjens from the RMC Paladins in a tie for the 6th spot with her twin sister Chelsey Litjens on the first page at 37. Looking at block assists we discover 3rd year Alix Durivage of the Gee Gee's at 22nd, this total also puts Alix at #21 in total blocks.

Serving is also an area that Alumni show their stuff. Both English's, and Durivage from the serving machine that is Ottawa are joined by Carpentier and 2012's Catherine Amyot of the McGill Martlets. 

Congrats to all the alum listed and all those on rosters competing at the highest level in the country.

Next up we will look at the CCAA... stay tuned.