With a strong core of returning players the NAIT Ooks women's volleyball team is set for success, as they open up the 2018-2019 season on Friday when they travel to Lloydminster to take on the Lakeland Rustlers.

In 2017-2018 the NAIT Ooks had a solid year finishing the regular season with a 16-8 record, defeating every school in the ACAC North division at least once. At the ACAC Championship, the Ooks would fall short losing in the quarterfinals to the Red Deer College Queens. 

"Despite the result last season, each student-athlete demonstrated on a daily basis all the values of an amazing team. If I could use one word to describe the team, it would be connected. Their love for each other was clear in all they did, and it led to tremendous improvement throughout the year," said head coach Benj Heinrichs. "Every individual from the 13 players to the five coaches and the student trainer were all in every day and had built a culture that will lead to even more success in the future." 

With nine returning players and four recruits, the 2018-2019 Ooks are hoping to continue their improvement over the last couple of years. This will be a tall order in the North, with virtually every team looking stronger than last season. The Ooks look to continue building on the culture they have created and plan on battling for a spot in the Conference Championship in February.

"We understand the regular season in the North is going to be a war this year. We'll be ready to battle every night, and the toughness created throughout the season will serve us well in our goal of competing for a medal at the ACAC Conference Championship," said head coach Benj Heinrichs.

The Ooks travel to Lloydminster on Friday to take on the Lakeland College Rustlers at 6:00 pm. They will then host the Rustlers in their home opener on Saturday at 6:00 pm in the NAIT Gymnasium.