"We are committed to cherishing this season and not taking it for granted."
 
That is the outlook of Lancer men's volleyball head coach James Gravelle on the 2021-22 OUA volleyball season. "If there is one thing that we have learned from the last two years is that life can change in a blink, so we need to take advantage of the opportunities that are before us today."
 
The Lancers open the regular season this Saturday at the St. Denis Centre, and the blue and gold are excited that all the hard work that was put in over the last twenty months will finally be put on display in a conference game.
 
There are some big shoes to fill with the graduation of OUA player of the year Pierce Johnson and all-star Nolan Langley, but Coach Gravelle feels confident in the squad he has put together. "The return of all-star Dami Alalade is huge for our team," said Gravelle. "He gives us a needed blocking presence in the middle and provides strong attacking and serving."
 
"Steve Abrams returns from a summer with the U21 national team where he gained valuable experience and will offer excellent passing and defense," Gravelle continued. "And the addition of Gustavo Siquiera from Brazil, will help solidify our passing and offers another good offensive option."
 
The biggest challenge the Lancers faced heading into the regular season has been trying not to catch up on such a long layoff in a short period of time. Their returning athletes were all in Windsor throughout the break and found ways to motivate and push each other to find training opportunities, however, when finally all together Coach Gravelle took a measured approach with their preparation.
 
"This has paid off as the boys are feeling good and are ready for the quick sprint that our first semester competition will be over these next two weeks."
 
"A successful season would be one where we continue to improve throughout the season and peak at the end," Gravelle concluded. "We need to continue to focus and be dedicated to our training so that we can meet that challenge."
 
The Lancers will take on the McMaster Marauders this Saturday, November 6th at 3:00pm at the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse. Tickets can be purchased online at goLancers.ca/tickets and the game can also been seen live at oua.tv.