By Reegan MacAulay

The Holland Hurricanes’ women’s volleyball team had high expectations going into the 2023-24 Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) season after winning its second-ever ACAA title the year prior, and participating at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) National Championship for the third time in program history. 

Winning the Atlantics was quite the bounce back for two players; left side, Morgan White, and middle attacker, Myah Utrosa. 

White, from Charlottetown, committed to the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds in 2021 but decided to return home for the second half of the season. A year later, she helped the Hurricanes (who went 13-5) win an ACAA championship as a sophomore.

“The season started extremely different than how it ended and it was so crazy to see the difference in play from the start to the end. We had a few ups and downs, as any sports team would, but we worked together to figure it out and everything started to fall into place.

“Earning our way into nationals was such a great feeling and we were treated so well while we were in Nanaimo. Playing with your friends and teammates at a national level is simply an experience in itself and I will remember it forever,” White said.

Utrosa, from Brooklin, Ontario, committed to the Hurricanes in 2021. She chose Holland College as it was a smaller school which she felt had a family quality to it, was in a more laid-back location versus a big city and had a “great volleyball program that she wanted to be a part of.” Her rookie season was a rough one as she had a nagging shoulder injury whilst trying to play regularly, which was difficult, but she trudged on, just like White did.

“I knew what I could do and just tried to be ready to contribute when called upon. My dad mentored me the most through my transition to Holland. He has always been my biggest supporter when it comes to my athletics and continues to help me be the best version of myself that I can be. The overall experience of my first year is why I continue to want to be here at Holland College.

“Winning the ACAA title in MSVU’s home gym was an unforgettable feeling. I know speaking for me and a few of the girls I have been playing with since my rookie season, it was a really good feeling knowing we got to go to nationals because we worked hard and deserved it,” Utrosa said.

Head coach Craig Hoskins said he was lucky enough to have a great group of athletes and coaches to work with during the deep playoff run.

“Winning the ACAA Championships was a great accomplishment. The nationals allowed us to gain experience against the best teams in the CCAA and to better our understanding of what is needed to compete against the top CCAA teams,” Hoskins said.

Going into the 2023-24 season, there were a mixture of elite returnees and promising recruits ready to keep the program’s recent success going. White and Utrosa were joined by Ella Hickey, Jenna O’Neill, Mason Babey, and Abby MacDonald to form a talented starter group. Charlotte Sweetapple also returned but not until the second half of the season. Recruits included Calgary-born libero Jaqui Jubinville and Corner Brook, N.L. setter Hannah Power. 

“With the majority of the roster returning, and a good group of recruits, we were feeling good to start the season. In the preseason, we talked about team goals, and it’s never to go 18-0. We use the regular season to develop individually and as a team. Of course, we want to set ourselves up for the playoffs, and it’s nice to have a favourable matchup, but finishing the regular season first overall is never our number one goal,” Hoskins said.

White prepared to lead by example in her third season in the ACAA.

“The girls helped with being a leader and having everyone know that, as leaders, we are on your side, which helps rookies a lot. Especially at the collegiate level, it is different and expectations and outcomes are different and it may not always be easy, but as teammates, we are all here to support each other,” White said.

Utrosa had the same goal in mind while also keeping up her strength in the gym and making sure she was a vocal supporter of the team.

“Having been here for two years prior, I knew what to expect from the caliber of play and what our coaches would expect. I like to think that I am naturally a player that leads by example. Getting out there, doing what is expected, and showing teammates at the same time how things can be done. I tried to connect with each rookie coming in to hopefully make them more comfortable and give them the big welcome I received when I first moved here,” Utrosa said.

In past seasons, the squad was fantastic in the regular season while other teams struggled to catch up. This time around, the ACAA experienced a season for the ages.

The Hurricanes started the season going 5-4 between November and December, struggling to maintain consistency. The second half saw an improvement with a 6-3 record, which included five wins in the last six games. Holland finished fourth in the conference with an 11-7 record. It was the first time in years that the Hurricanes failed to finish third or higher.

Above them, the University of King’s College (UKC) Blue Devils stomped the league with just one loss all season while the Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) Mystics and the Mount Allison Mounties followed suit with solid runs.

Hoskins said he was happy with the team’s record since it was a competitive season.

“I think UKC was the best team in the ACAA. We were on par with MSVU and Mount A, but UKC was just stronger. We were a top four team, and I would even argue we were top two,” Hoskins said.

White said the team had issues figuring out what worked and what didn’t.

“We were trying different things and different lineups. We still had a very talented group of different athletes who played multiple positions throughout the season. Shout out to Mason Babey who played middle, right side, and defended in the back row. It goes to show how talented and versatile our team was.

“I remember, in the second half, we were playing Crandall and we were down two sets to zero, and in the third, we had one of our players lose contact and the game stopped. After we started again, we were a whole new team and then we came back and won in five sets. I think, ever since that game, once we stepped on the gas, we just kept going for the rest of the season. Practices were more intense, and everyone seemed hungrier in the second half to win,” White said.

Unlike past seasons, Utrosa was called upon much more, which she was grateful for, especially after suffering a hairline fracture in her wrist in October that kept her out of play for four weeks. Thankfully, the fracture came before the regular season.

“Through those weeks, I tried my best to keep using the gym, which did result in mostly leg days, but it honestly became a game of just needing time to heal. I’m very thankful I received the chance to show that I was ready to play and help the team be successful,” Utrosa said.

Before the ACAA Championships in Fredericton, N.B., Ella Hickey was named to the 2024 ACAA 1st All-Conference Team while Utrosa was named to the 2024 ACAA 2nd All-Conference Team.

Heading into the playoffs as the fourth seed, the Hurricanes were, on paper, more of an underdog, but everybody wanted to come home with the championship. White said the weekend approached quickly but the team was ready.

“We knew to just go in and do what we’ve practiced this whole time. We knew since the start of the season that we had been practicing throughout the whole season for this weekend specifically,” White said.

The squad was set to start the championships with a quarterfinal game against the STU Tommies. Holland went 1-1 against them in the regular season, so the season series was set to be solved with a sudden sudden playoff match. Despite close action, the Hurricanes advanced to the semifinals with a 3-0 win.

Hoskins said the team achieved the goal of setting up a good game plan.

“I thought in the first match, we played great, executed our game plan very well, and it showed. It seemed to give us confidence as the game progressed. I have to give Ella Hickey credit, she delivered a great ball to the post attackers that allowed them to execute the game plan. STU had a few moments in the game where they began to push back, but great blocking by our middle Myrah Utrosa and Mason Babey stopped their momentum” Hoskins said.

Holland had a tough task ahead of them the next day; a semi-final match against UKC.

“We understood that a matchup with UKC was going to be tough. They were a strong team all year, they played very fast offense, and outstanding defense,” Hoskins said.

As expected, the Blue Devils quickly gained control of the game with back-to-back set wins. But the Hurricanes started to gain momentum with their season on the line, using a strong attack to take the third set. Unfortunately, the momentum ended just as quickly as it had started, as UKC won the fourth set and advanced to the championship game, which they also won.

Hoskins said it just wasn’t the team’s day.

“We started the match making too many unforced errors. We struggled in the serve and pass game. Our team showed promise in set three, cleaning up some of the previous issues. However, give UKC credit, they bounced back with a great fourth set to end our season. We did not have a roster to match UKC,” Hoskins said.

White called the loss tough, admitting she struggled herself.

“Nothing was flowing like it was in our quarterfinal game. It was very upsetting and not the way I wish the season would’ve ended. But the Blue Devils were a good team and they played their game well and ended up on top,” White said.

Utrosa believed the team was better than it showed but she preached UKC for their strong team and away crowd.

“For us, that was difficult as we travelled off island away from all the support we could’ve had, but thankfully, we had the support of the men’s volleyball team as well as some parents who made the drive. Although the match result was 3-1, each game was really close on the scoreboard. It really could’ve gone either way,” Utrosa said.

Although things didn’t turn out as well as players and staff had hoped, Hoskins commended several players for stepping up regardless of wins and losses.

“Our team battled some injuries all season. Jenna O’Neill, one of our top athletes, battled injury issues all season. I am sure she would agree, she never once felt 100% this season.

“Our three middles really stepped up for us. Myah Utrosa was a big-time athlete. The season before, she was a role player, but this season, she was our star. She attacked very well, provided a solid block, and improved her serving. Abby MacDonald was another middle that had a great breakout year. I was not surprised, as at the end of the 22-23 season, she started to build confidence. I’m really looking forward to seeing what next season has in store for those two,” Hoskins said.

White enjoyed the group and said it was like a family.

“I have met friends who will be a part of my life always. Everyone was so fun all the time and the locker room would still be full of laughs, even at our 6:30 a.m. practices. I worked well with everyone I would say! So much love for all the girls.

“Craig (Hoskins) was great. He proved himself last year as a coach that he can come in and run this program well. He’s taught me a lot as a volleyball player in the past two seasons and I think my skills have improved, especially in passing. Laura Ready and Kateia Barenaba were fantastic assistant coaches,” White said.

Utrosa shouted out White, Jenna O’Neill, Mason Babey, and Abby MacDonald for being great friends and amazing teammates. She also mentioned Ella Hickey, who, unfortunately, is not returning to the program next year.

“The difference in the connection Ella and I had this year to last year was unbelievable and I am so grateful for all the extra reps and chats we had,” Utrosa said.

Looking forward to next season, the roster will look almost the same, as White, Utrosa, O’Neill, MacDonald, Power, and Sweetapple are all expected to return. 

White is looking forward to coming back.

“I’m looking forward to putting the work in throughout the summer to become better for the team. I think we have a bright future ahead with the recruits coming in and a lot of returning players as well. I think we’re on the right track for a successful season,” White said.

Utrosa shared similar words.

“I’m extremely excited for next season as we have a great number of girls from this year returning along with a great number of recruits which will make practices more fun and competitive. Since being here, the program has only gotten stronger and I believe that next year will be one for the books. To prepare, I will be again playing lacrosse back home but also keeping up in the gym to hopefully strengthen my shoulders and raise my vertical!” Utrosa said.

On the recruiting side, Hoskins is excited for who’s coming to Holland College.

“2024 is going to be a great season. Some big names are returning and we have some big recruits with USPORT and CCAA experience. We will be much bigger as a team, which was a recruiting goal. Unfortunately, we will miss Ella Hickey, our setter, but I believe returning setter Hannah Power and new recruit Maddy Tomyn will step up and fill the void left by Ella’s departure.

“Jamie Spencer was a starter with Trent University in OUA and Sam Payne was a starter with Durham College. Both athletes are over 6’ and will provide us with experience and leadership. Plus, we have three solid, hard-working athletes transitioning from U18 clubs. Those young athletes will provide us with energy and athleticism,” Hoskins said.

Other recruits include Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Kayden Klose (5’8” left side), Fredericton’s Marissa O’Donnell (5’8” setter/libero).

To wrap the story up, we asked Hoskins, White, and Utrosa why people should come out and support and/or join the Hurricanes women’s volleyball program.

Hoskins said the program is one of the best in the ACAA.

“Our coaching staff strives for athlete development, team success, and providing a safe and caring environment for our athletes. College sports should challenge athletes, but our opinion is that it should also be fun. Our coaching staff works hard to find the balance between challenging the athletes to be the best and enjoying the process,” Hoskins said.

White said fans should expect good play within all sports moving forward.

“Between staff, coaches, athletes, and spectators, it’s all such a great atmosphere to be a part of,” White said.

Utrosa said there’s one thing the Hurricanes never fail to do.

“Have fun. We try to have our fans experience what we do. Anticipate a strong season from the ‘Canes with high energy, great volleyball, and lots of fun,” Utrosa said. 

Stay tuned for the 2024-25 Hurricanes ACAA volleyball schedule being released in the coming weeks.  Booster Club information will also be made public at that time.

Connect with the women’s volleyball ‘Canes at www.x.com/caneswvball and www.instagram.com/caneswvball.

For more information on the Holland Hurricanes, please visit www.hollandhurricanes.com, www.facebook.com/hollandhurricanes, www.x.com/hc_hurricanes and www.instagram.com/hollandhurricanes.

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