Leigh Dreher Women’s Volleyball Vancouver Island University

Leigh is in her 4th year with VIU. This 5 foot 11 power/right side hitter is one of the most dominating offensive players in the BCCAA. For all of the years that Leigh has been at VIU, she has been playing power but has recently been looked at to move to the right side to add some needed offence.  She had her first chance to try out her new position this past weekend versus UBC-O.

This past weekend the Mariners took on UBC-O, currently ranked number one in BC and Canada.   After coming off a loss to the Capilano Blues last weekend, the Mariners were hungry for a win and had a solid week of practice leading up to the match.   Leigh has been at power all season, but with some key injuries and the solid play of the Mariner’s third power hitter, VIU decided to move Leigh to the right side.  She worked hard all week at practice to learn the position and come game time, she provided the Mariners with some strong blocking and some added offence from that side of the court.  Leigh tallied 10 kills and 3 stuff blocks in only three sets of play.  She also pitched in with 6 digs.  The coaching staff firmly believe that moving Leigh to the right side, gives their team a whole new look.  Leigh had one of her best performances this weekend and helped the Mariners get back on track.

Next up for the Mariners is a home stand vs the University of the Fraser Valley and Columbia Bible College, January 30th and 31st, 2009.

Demijan Savija Men’s Volleyball Capilano University Blues

Demijan Savija is a Serbian/Canadian who is competing in his 2nd year for the Blues. He graduated from King George Secondary in Vancouver in 2007. At King George Sec., he was awarded the school’s Team MVP in 3 sports and chosen Male Athlete of the Year for 2007. Head Coach, Paul Tudor states that “Demijan is one of the most talented players in the BCCAA.” He has become the team’s leader as he makes few errors and displays his unstoppable offensive play each night.
Demijan Savija is a 6’6” right side player and is amongst the top in the league in pure physical leaping ability. He is able to touch the top of the antennae in two steps and put this incredible ability to good use with outstanding kill efficiency. He leads the Blues and the BCCAA this season with 200 kills, is 3rd on the Blues in digs with 43, leads the Blues in blocks with 10 and leads the Blues with 19 aces, which is 7th best in the BCCAA.

Over the weekend the Blues swept #9 Selkirk College on Friday night and #7 COTR on Saturday. These were crucial matches for the Blues as they hope to compete in the playoffs. On Friday, the Selkirk Saints put on a great effort to claw back in the second match, but Demijan’s 17 kills, two blocks and one ace made sure of the Blues victory. The Blues went on to beat the Saints, 3-0. Against COTR, Demijan had many highlight worthy plays, notching more than 17 kills to defeat COTR 3-0. Demijan tallied 34 kills, 2 bocks, 2 aces and 4 digs over the weekend.

Next up for the Blues is a home game against Douglas College at North Vancouver on Jan. 30/09. The Blues are presently 6th in the league.