Emma Hesse continues to display an excellent work ethic and has begun to see the fruits of her labours, with both tough defensive performances and a much improved outside shot. Emma has been determined to expand her game with a consistent outside shot, and is now averaging over 10 points per game in her last three contests. Emma also averages five steals per game along with four assists per game.

Emma is often tasked with defending the opposition’s top point guard and does it very well. The conclusion to her freshman season is shaping up to be a great one, and Emma will be counted on to help lead the Lady Lightning into the playoffs as they pursue an ACAL championship.

Massena Fedoruk is the perfect example of what can happen when you dedicate yourself to getting better every day.  Massena’s improvement over the course of the year has been dramatic, and is entirely the result of his willingness to put time and effort into both his academic program and athletic performances. 

Currently in the second year of his Bachelor of Education degree at St. Mary’s, Massena distinguishes himself on the court and in the classroom through his leadership skills and qualities. Sitting third in the conference in points per game with 17.14, Massena has become a deadly shooter from the outside, a dependable defender, and a consummate teammate.

Second year student-athlete Jorja Flagel contributed at both ends of the court in the win vs. Ambrose, shooting 50% from the field and scoring 13 points. Jorja also collect six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one blocked shot. Jorja was also 100% from the free throw line.

First year student athlete Alysa Caron played her best college game of her young career in the victory over Millar. She was the teamʼ’s third leading scorer with 13 points, led the team in steals with six, and was tied for third in rebounds with five along with collecting two blocked shots. Her tough man-to-man defense was complemented with solid offensive play. She shot 60% from the field and 50% form three points.

Tyson Denhamer faced a turning point in late October as he struggled on the court and had difficulty adjusting to a new environment at St. Mary’s following his transfer from Augustana in September. That Tyson grasped the opportunity before is a testament to his determination to become a solid contributor for the Lightning. Hitting for 29 vs Ambrose on the road, Tyson has become a central figure for the Lightning with improved shooting, solid rebounding, and dependable defense.

Candice Duckett, a multi-talented athlete who also plays for volleyball for St. Mary’s, had a strong game this past weekend as the Lightning hosted Millar College. Candice's athletic ability at both ends of the court was on full display as she led the team with 18 points, and five steals while shooting 44% from the field. Candiceʼ’s work ethic was very high and shows the commitment needed to be successful on the court as well as off. Honourable Mention: Megan Rainford. Congratulations Candice and Megan!

Dustin Gitelman regained his early-season form with dominating games over the weekend vs. Millar and Great Plains. Racking up an average output of 26 points per game, Dustin also contributed on the glass with nine rebounds in both games. A versatile forward, Dustin’s game has continued to expand and develop thanks to his hard work and dedication since September. Honourable Mention: Massena Fedoruk.
Congratulations Dustin and Massena!

The Athlete of the Week award goes to the entire women's volleyball team for its outstanding effort and dedication. Congratulations on bringing home the gold, ladies!

The Female Athlete of the Week goes to Laura Waters of Women’s Volleyball. Laura started this season winning the Athlete of the Week on the back of her strong leadership on a team full of freshman. For the last few weeks, Laura has also shown the way on the court while continuing her steady leadership as co-captain of the team. She has kept the team organized while showed initiative in helping the players stay focused on the court. She has been a workhorse at practice while remaining positive and encouraging her teammates when they were stressed on the court, in practice or with school in general. She also leads the team with 91 kills and 77 digs for the season. With Laura’s experience and leadership leading the STMU women's volleyball team there is no doubt that the ACAL Championship can return to St. Mary’s!

The Male Athlete of the Week goes to Dustin Gitelman of Men’s Basketball. In the exhibition game vs. Ambrose University College Dustin scored a game high 23 points while also collecting 13 rebounds. His offensive efficiency was also excellent with 73 per cent shooting from the field. A team co-captain, Dustin provided excellent leadership and is an example of the determination, effort, and aggressiveness that is required to compete at the college level.

The Lightning Female Athlete of the Week goes to Kendra McLeod of Women’s Volleyball. Kendra was first spotted by her coach while she was in Grade 11 as an excellent athlete who not only is solid both offensively and defensively, but is also a leader. Kendra was the captain of her club team from Cold Lake this year and she brought those leadership skills to the court when we needed it most against Ambrose University College. She made amazing digs and her passing has improved as she has regained her confidence that her coach has always known she had. She was inspirational on the court as well by supporting her teammates throughout the match. With this amazing player on the team there is no reason why the STMU women's volleyball team should not regain the ACAL championship this season.

The Male Athlete of the Week goes to Taylor Barile of Men’s Basketball. In the exhibition game vs. CUC, Taylor continued his solid play on the boards pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds along with adding four points and consistent intensity. As a freshman, Taylor is still learning the game and getting his skills up to the level needed to be a consistent contributor at the college level. His hard work will continue to pay off, and Lightning fans can look forward to many years of Taylor’s efforts as he is enrolled in the English degree program at St. Mary’s, and will be present as the program moves into ACAC in 2012.

Candice Duckett had a great match vs. Olds while playing three different positions. She responded to the challenge and led the team in passing (2.25) and overall attacks (37% kills and only 16% errors). She also had three aces in the match. Candice’s confidence has been increasing with every match and the coaching staff is very pleased with how much she has improved in all aspects of the game. With her confidence increasing on the court and the team’s positive atmosphere, there is no doubt that Candice will be an integral part of the winning formula for the StMU Lightning women's volleyball team!

In the exhibition game vs. Centre High Prep, Scott Wedemire pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds along with adding eight points and a healthy dose of effort and intensity. A team co-captain, Scott played heavy minutes and continues to improve his skill-set and overall understanding of the game at the college level. The coaching staff is excited about his progress and confident that he will continue to contribute to the team’s development.

The athlete of the week goes to Lindsay Manning of Women’s Volleyball. A co-captain of the team, Lindsay has kept working hard through early struggles in her serving game. Facing these adversities head-on, Lindsay has remained focused on improving this aspect of her game, and her efforts paid off this weekend. Over the two games vs. CUC, her serves were consistently hit to target and she recorded two aces over the weekend. Lindsay’s hard work and determination has shown what dedication and hard work can accomplish.

The Male Athlete of the Week goes to James Major of Men’s Volleyball. James played aggressively and displayed great heart and determination in overcoming a sore knee to continue playing hard. He was inspiration to everyone! Congratulations James!

The Female Athlete of the Week goes to Chelsey Morck of Women’s Volleyball. Chelsey played as both libero and power in the game. She had a 2.00 passing average, good for first on the team while also digging 92% of the balls, resulting in an average of 2.75 digs per game. Chelsey was very dependable during a time when the team seemed to lack focus. She was a leader and provided support to the other players on the team. As a result of Chelsey's steady play and hard work the team was able to pull through with another win and keep the winning streak alive.

The Male Athlete of the Week goes to Dustin Gitelman of Men’s Basketball. Dustin had a solid weekend for the Lightning competing against larger and more physical opponents. Dustin was the top scorer in each game, including a 20 point, 6 rebound performance vs. Concordia. As a team captain, Dustin also provided excellent leadership and his relentless work ethic served as a great reminder to the rest of the group of just how hard everyone needs to work to compete at the next level.

The Female Athlete of the Week goes to Laura Waters of Women’s Volleyball. Laura is the captain of the varsity volleyball team, and showed why last Friday vs. Olds. Laura has played amazing the last two weeks and ranked top of the team for kills and defense vs. Olds. Despite battling a bad cold and coughing a lot during timeouts, Laura was encouraging her teammates and displayed great leadership and perseverance. Off the court Laura has also been inspirational to the younger athletes and has encouraged them to play hard by her advice and her hard work.

The Male Athlete of the Week goes to Chris Sheran of Men’s Volleyball. Leading the team to its best performance of the year, Chris put his athleticism on display by diving all over the court and playing with hunger and desire. He led the team in blocks at the net and led the team to never quitting against a very good Olds team.