The Huskies women’s volleyball team has had a dominant season, to say the least, currently sporting a 10-2 record and sitting comfortably in first place of the East division of Canada West. 

A healthy mix of veterans and younger players has afforded the team great success, led by the dynamic duo of fifth-year outside hitter Emily Koshinsky and third-year middle Mandi Fraser. 

Both Koshinsky and Fraser are top 10 in points per set this season, with Koshinsky leading Canada West in kills and Fraser having the highest hitting percentage in Canada West. 

In an interview with the Sheaf, Fraser claimed that Koshinsky’s stellar play demands a lot of defensive attention from the opposing team, allowing Fraser to flourish and vice versa. 

“We’re in the front row quite a bit together. Other players really like to key in on [Koshinsky] or they like to key in on me. So we give each other [the opportunity to have] some really good one-on-one battles,” Fraser said. 

Koshinsky is in her final year with the Huskies and has become a role model for the younger players on the team. 

“She’s a very likable player. A lot of people look up to her… She’s just super fun to play with,” Fraser said. 

Koshinsky also bolsters the team chemistry off the court, according to Fraser. 

“We’re always doing stuff together off the court as well, which is awesome. And that’s honestly because of her.”

Koshinsky and Fraser’s elite production is complimented by the rest of the starting lineup, who Fraser described as “unbelievable.” One player that Fraser specified was third-year setter Averie Allard, who has 400 assists so far, ranking third in Canada West. Her playmaking ability has been instrumental in setting up Fraser for easy points.  

“Our setter, Averie, she runs the court so well… We have a really good team this year, so it’s sweet,” Fraser said. 

After losing their season opener against the Brandon Bobcats on Nov. 5, the Huskies put together an eight-game winning streak, which included five 3-0 straight-set victories as well as some tense 3-2 five-set games. 

Part of that winning streak occurred on the team’s home court, the PAC. Fraser fondly recalled the team’s home opener, describing the presence of fans as “unreal.” 

“Having fans again is one of the best feelings,” Fraser said. “Having your home crowd cheering for you is awesome.”

Despite the Huskies having a sizable lead on the second-place Winnipeg Wesmen, Fraser cautioned that the team must not become comfortable with winning. 

“No game is going to be easy. We’re going to have to work really hard. There’s no weak team in our league. Every team is going to give us a challenge,” Fraser said. 

With just four games to go in the regular season, the coaching staff has emphasized defensive blocking. Fraser highlighted fourth-year libero Jessica Andjelic, who can only play in the back row with a focus on passing the ball to teammates, as an influence on the team’s defensive identity. 

“Defensive blocking is our biggest thing because that’s what’s going to win games,” Fraser said. 

After a mid-season bye week that granted the Huskies time to rest and recover, they look to embark on another win streak as they take on their provincial rival, the Regina Cougars, for a two-game homestand at the PAC on Feb. 11 and 12. 

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Uday Chhina | Sports & Health Editor 

Photos: Photo By Josh Schaefer, Huskie Athletics/GetMyPhoto.ca