Helping hand from the outback boys
author: nathan mccarville | sports writer
McAnish and Aubrey (pictured) have a 1.89 and a 3.30 pts/s, respectfully/Arthur Images 2018
Australian imports leaving their marks
Hailing from Australia, two of the athletes playing for the men’s volleyball team have made themselves integral parts of the team since the start of the 2016-17 season.
Hailing from Adelaide and Brisbane respectively, Conal McAinsh and Matthew Aubrey have both become decorated during their time at the University of Regina.
In the 2016-2017 season, Conal McAinish played 22 of the Cougar’s 24 games, starting in 20 of the games. Over the course of those games, McAinish was involved in 76 sets, performed 15 service aces,63 blocks, 77 kills, and 28 digs.
In The 2017-18 season, McAinsh, playing middle blocker, has been able to get into the top four players of the game several times this season in getting kills and blocks for the Cougars, his scoring ranging from 9 kills to 3 kills per game, and 1 to 3 blocks per game.
As for Matthew Aubrey, in 2016-17, he was named as part of the Canada West All Rookie team, after getting 212 kills by the end of the season, leading all first-year players. To top of his year, Aubrey netted an Academic All-Canadian
Over his first season playing for the Cougars, Aubrey took part in all 24 of the Canada West matches of the season, playing in 79 of the 84 sets. Across this season, Aubrey currently sits 3rd on the team for blocks with 47 and fourth on the team for his 80 digs.
Aubrey tied a school record for attack attempts during a single game with 64, and broke a school record for the U of R for attack attempts over a three set match with 44 attempts. As such, he has made himself integral to the team’s style of play in his ability to consistently get kills for the Cougars. Recognized for his role in the games, he was named the Extreme Pita Athlete of the week for the last week of January 2017.
Consistent in his ability to get into the top four players of the team per game in terms of getting kills, blocks, and aces for the Cougars, Aubrey has made a place for himself among the Cougars.
During the current season, Aubrey has been able to get between 17 and 5 kills, twice so far getting 17 kills in a game. Though his kills do not overshadow his ability to block and get aces whenever he is on the court as he has shown a skill for during his time at the U of R and his time playing in the current season.
