‘It’s just been ridiculous’

Julia Martens didn’t expect that she’d be setting balls for the two-time reigning U Sports Player of the Year in game action so soon, but the first-year setter has taken the opportunity in stride since being tabbed to tee up Raya Surinx and the rest of the Manitoba Bisons’ attackers.

The Westgate product has been nothing short of outstanding for the Bisons since assuming the starting role from fifth-year Elia Falcone, who developed a stress fracture in her foot in October.

While Martens would’ve liked her playing time to not come at the cost of a teammate, she’s run with the chance to play big minutes for the reigning national champions.

“It’s been amazing,” Martens said. “Unexpected, of course, but I’m super grateful just to have got the opportunity to play with all these fifth-year girls who are some of the best hitters in Canada. It’s been a really cool experience, getting to set them.”

Martens’ 9.24 assists per set rank fourth in the Canada West conference, and she’s fresh off perhaps her finest performance of the season on the weekend in the Bisons’ first match since the holiday break, registering 41 assists in a convincing 3-1 victory over Mount Royal.

Her strong play has given head coach Ken Bentley something to think about as Falcone nears a return to action. With the playoff push heating up, it could be in his best interest to opt for continuity, which would keep the more junior player in action.

“I wouldn’t play her if she looked like a first-year player, and she doesn’t,” Bentley said. “She carries herself in a way that I think people are confident in her, and all she’s done is put her head down and work really hard, and she got chances to play, and she’s done a really good job.”

Martens’ effort has epitomized a Bisons team that has been forced to dip into its reserves more often than Bentley would prefer. Injuries jinxed the first half of the campaign, as Falcone was joined by fifth-year outside hitters Ella Gray (torn calf) and Andi Almonte (hyperextended elbow) on the shelf. That followed a pre-season in which Surinx (rest) and other starters, fifth-year middle Eve Catojo (shoulder) and fourth-year Libero Chelsea Siebenga (concussion), missed time.

“I played more lineups this year than I probably played in a decade. I mean, it’s just been ridiculous,” said Bentley. “We’ve had very little time with the set lineup.”

Ridiculous is one word to describe it.

“It was really tough, and it was tough to sort of manage everything with people constantly coming in and out and just having that unsureness,” Catojo said. “It was a bit uncomfortable, and there was a lot of adapting that had to be done. But everyone who did come in and fill in those gaps did a fantastic job.”

Despite the challenging road, the Bisons remained competitive thanks to younger players stepping up and the rest of the veteran core steadying the ship. The reigning national champions are 8-4, good for a share of fifth place in the Canada West conference with four more weekend sets remaining on the schedule.

“To sit where we are right now is fantastic, given that people have been coming in and out of the lineup,” Bentley said. “We managed to still muck together wins and play good volleyball, but we haven’t really even settled into a starting lineup for much time at all, frankly. We’ve been keeping it together, but it’s been challenging.”

Bentley also credited Siebenga, who replaced a graduated program cornerstone in Julia Arnold this season, for seamlessly filling the gap. Siebenga, who ranks fifth in Canada West with 3.30 digs per set, was as stabilizing a force as any player during the first half of the campaign.

“I think myself and everyone on the team is just super proud of her,” Catojo said.

“There’s been no point in which I thought that maybe she couldn’t do this or this was going to be too big of a transition… because she just stepped up pretty much immediately, and she’s been absolutely fantastic for our team.”

Reinforcements are on the way for the Bisons. Gray returned to action last weekend, while Bentley is hopeful that Almonte, who returned to practice this week, can return for this weekend’s two-game home series against the University of Saskatchewan.

With all of their key players back in the mix, the Bisons will look to return to form before the playoffs begin.

“I think one of the things that we talked about is the fact that our margin for error isn’t quite as large as it was last year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t win,” said Bentley.

“So we’re just trying to keep things a little more simple and straightforward and not get too fancy, but just really be consistent in each of the zones… and our experience and our talent level certainly is still capable enough to take a run and win again.”

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