CREDIT: FANSHAWE ATHLETICS
Scott Brannigan rejoins the Falcons as both men's and women's volleyball teams start the season.

A spectacle like no other will come barrelling into Fanshawe College J Gyms. The 12th Annual Overkill Fanshawe College Kickoff Tournament will get underway on October 4 and 5 as both the varsity men’s and women’s volleyball teams will look to open their respective seasons in style.

Reigning OCAA Coach of the Year Patrick Johnston will be looking for a repeat of last season’s performance that saw the men’s varsity take home first place. In similar fashion, the women’s team will be looking for a repeat of history as they look to defend their first place in the tournament last year.

The men’s varsity team will have a new look this season. Former star Mathieu Poulin, Fanshawe’s 2013- 14 Male Athlete of the Year, is no longer here to smash cross-court aces. Instead the club will look to returning stars Derek Braun and Scott Brannigan to carry the torch. Coach Johnston will welcome new assistant coach Sean McKay in to the fold as the defending 2013 OCAA bronze medalists will look to defend their title and build off last season’s success.

On the women’s side, they too will also be looking to fill a void left by the departure of 2013-14 Female Athlete of the Year Kaitlyn Kelly. Holdovers Stephanie Bignell and Kaitlyn Seguin will be required to take on larger roles. Head Coach Sean Pellow is also welcoming new staff in the form of Assistant Coach Genoa Moxley.

The official season opener for the women’s team is set for October 25 when the Falcons play host to the Mohawk Mountaineers at 1 p.m. The men will officially open their season immediately after against Mohawk at 3 p.m.

If watching athletes show off their physical prowess by creating nail-biting volleys and herculean overhead finishes intrigues you, then come out and support your Falcon peers this weekend.