The Huskies men’s volleyball team is currently 6-6 on the season, tied with the University of Manitoba Bisons for second place in an incredibly close playoff race in the East division of Canada West. 

The team is led by fourth-year outside hitter Dylan Mortensen, who has quickly emerged as one of the top players in Canada West. Mortensen places top five in several statistical categories this season and leads Canada West in both kills and overall points scored so far. 

It was a slow start for the Huskies this season, as they lost five of their first six games. But according to Mortensen, the Huskies have “really found [their] groove” in their recent stretch of play, where the Huskies went on a five-game winning streak.

In an interview with the Sheaf, Mortensen detailed how the team’s improved passing helped the team climb out of their starting slump and contributed to his offensive success. 

“Our passing has really stepped up, and our setter, [fourth-year] Jake Rapin, has done a really good job of giving me the ball so I can put it away,” Mortensen said. 

In addition to the veteran players, the Huskies are also fielding 10 rookies this season. From that slate of first-years, the standout so far has been outside hitter Skyler Varga. Varga joins Mortensen as the only other Husky to rank top 10 in kills, with 133 in his rookie campaign. 

Mortensen offered high praise for Varga, stating that he may be the “best rookie I’ve ever played with.”

“He’s super advanced and super sound in his volleyball skills… We’re super lucky to have him and he’s already been a great friend of mine,” Mortensen said.

Mortensen added that the whole team is “good friends,” which has been “key” for their team chemistry during the season. 

Maintaining team chemistry is one of Mortensen’s new responsibilities as one of the longer tenured players on the young squad. He transitioned into a leadership role this year, becoming co-captain of the team along with fifth-year libero Matthew Primrose. 

“[As captains], we are really making sure everyone knows that it’s a learning experience, and that it’s a tough conference to always get wins… You have to be adaptable and always working hard. And we’ve got a great group to follow that goal,” Mortensen said. 

The Canada West conference lives up to the reputation that Mortensen alluded to this season, with all four teams in the East division of Canada West all within one game of each other. The Winnipeg Wesmen are currently first with seven wins, but the Bisons and Huskies are on their heels, both at six wins each, while the Brandon Bobcats are at the bottom with five wins. 

The top three teams in the division reach the playoffs, making the upcoming six-game stretch to close out the season crucial for the Huskies in securing a playoff spot. 

According to Mortensen, the coaching staff has stressed to the team that every upcoming game “is going to be a battle.” Despite the Huskies having a bye week on the Feb. 4 weekend, Mortensen says that the players have not been “taking any time off” and are “committing to the grind.” 

The Huskies have played in five intense matches that went the distance, taking the full five sets to decide the outcome. Mortensen mentioned that these games are “good character-building opportunities for the whole team,” especially as the playoffs schedule is rigorous, with three games in three days. 

Although the stakes may be raised in the coming weeks, Mortensen maintained that a highlight of the season has been to play in front of the fans. 

“Everyone’s really relishing this opportunity to just play. It’s been great,” Mortensen said. 

The playoff push for the Huskies begins on Feb. 11 and 12 at home at the PAC, where they will attempt to leapfrog the Wesmen in the standings and claim first place for themselves. 

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Uday Chhina | Sports and Health Editor

Photos: Josh Schaefer/Huskie Athletics/GetMyPhoto.ca