CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's volleyball team launches the 2019-20 Canada West regular season at home this weekend with two matches against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. First serve is at 6 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Saturday in the Jack Simpson Gym.

THE JOURNEY TO NATIONALS
The Dinos women have their sights set towards hosting seven other national title hopefuls at the 2020 U SPORTS championship on March 13-15 in the Jack. The 2018-19 Dinos went 19-5 during the regular season and earned a spot for the second year running in the Canada West final, and will make their third straight appearance at the national tournament next spring looking for the program's fifth championship.

SENIOR STRENGTH
The Dinos have an experienced core of leaders, holding an impressive total of six fifth-year returning players including Adriel Goodman, Autumn Davidson, Kennedy Snape, Beth Vinnell, Rachel Solecki and Kate Pexman. In 2018-19, Calgary was the lone team to secure multiple All-Canadian spots, as Pexman and Vinnell both earned the honour. Pexman remains sidelined with injury and won't start the season on the court, but still brings veteran leadership to the squad.

NEW FACES IN THE LINEUP
With the graduation of Leah Shevkenek, Lexi Peart takes over the setter's role and will provide a high-energy, tenacious presence on the floor. The Dinos will also look to star recruit Trinity Solecki to make a significant contribution from the left side.

COACH'S TAKE
"We're excited to kick off the season against Saskatchewan," said Dinos Head Coach Natalie Gurnsey. "Our group looks a lot different from last year, but I'm really excited about how it's all coming together and to see how we can put it all together this year.

"Lexi has been ready for a little while, and there's a lot of anticipation for her stepping into that role. She adds some grit and feistiness to our team, but she's balancing it out with leadership and maturity at the same time. I'm excited to see her blossom."

SCOUTING REPORT
vs SASKATCHEWAN HUSKIES
Match Info Friday, Oct. 18 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. – Jack Simpson Gym
2018-19 Record 9-15
Player to Watch 4th-year outside hitter Emily Koshinsky claimed the fifth spot in the conference with 316 kills a year ago. The last time she faced the Dinos she achieved a season-high 22 kills. 

NOTES

• Saskatchewan fell short of playoffs last year after losing to the Mount Royal Cougars. 
• The Huskies hosted both games against the Dinos last season from Nov. 8-9, clutching only two total sets in a Calgary sweep. 
• This is the Huskies' first trip to the Jack Simpson Gym since November 2017.
• Middle Mandi Fraser was named to the conference All-Rookie team in 2018-19.
• The Huskies comprise a fresh-faced roster with only two fifth-year players and four rookies. 

UP NEXT
Following this opening weekend matchup, the Dinos will see action next weekend in Kamloops against the Thompson Rivers WolfPack at the Tournament Capital Centre.

-UC-