Just a single season after winning the PACWEST title, and falling just short in the National Championship game, the Douglas Royals Men’s Volleyball team is back and ready to turn some heads in the process.

This season the Royals return a handful of key players from last year’s championship squad including 5th years Erich Meyer and Sam Shaw. “Sam and Erich will help set the tone both through training and the trials of league play.” Says head coach Brad Hudson. Other key returning players to note are big man Andrew Robson, libero Jordan Or, and setter Rex Fenton, who established himself as one of the PACWEST’s elite players in 2012.

Another player Hudson looks to this year is 3rd year transfer Andrew McWilliam. After losing starters Jeff Taylor and Kaleb Dawe to graduation, McWilliam serves as integral part of the team’s new identity. “Andy is a special talent.  Having played for The University of Guelph for two seasons, he comes to the Royals seasoned but still hungry to learn and grow as an athlete. On the court Andy will bring ball-control, size and the ability to score” said Hudson.

With new goals and aspirations, this season the Royals look to repeat as PACWEST Champions and elevate there game to a new level. Of his new team, Coach Hudson says 'We are looking forward to the new season. This group loves to train and loves to compete. As a coach, that affords me the luxury of knowing we'll get the most out of every opportunity.”

Coming off of an outstanding 2012 campaign with a record of 19-5, these Royals look to build on last year’s success when they open the season in a home and home series against Capilano University on October 12th and 13th.  Game 1 goes for 8pm on Friday night at the Capilano Sportsplex in North Vancouver. Game 2 is hosted on Saturday at 8pm at the New Westminster Campus.