Carlson loves Vikings volleyball
Posted By JOSH RYAN U of A, Augustana Campus
Posted 2 months ago
Back in high school, Meredith Carlson had no aspirations about playing volleyball.
"Growing up, my main sport was soccer," says Carlson, "However I tore my ACL and after I finished rehab I switched to volleyball."
This would lead to playing club volleyball in Edmonton where she played on one of the top programs in the province. After taking a two year break after graduation, during which she spent six months in Australia, Carlson has returned to the sport, in her home town with the Vikings women's volleyball team. The 5'11 left side hitter has been integral to the Vikings' success. As of Nov. 7, she leads the league in total kills and sits second in kills per game. Stats take a back seat to winning, however, as she has just one opportunity to win an ACAL championship.
"I'm planning on taking nursing at Grant MacEwan next semester, so I want to make the most of this season," says Carlson, "plus, everyone on our team has high expectations, so anything less than winning won't do."
Both volleyball squads ended the regular season with 3-1 wins over the Portage Voyageurs. Team captain Tamara Armstrong was named player of the game for the girls and veteran Luke Lindholm was given the honor for the guys. The focus shifted to the ACAL Final Four, which was hosted by Ambrose University College on Nov. 20 to 21.
The women finished the season in second place with a record of 12-2, which matches them against the Olds Broncos. The girls wanted to avenge their disappointing loss to Olds earlier this season. A five set loss to Ambrose was the lone blemish on the men's season as they finished the season at 11-1, tops in the ACAL. In a set up for an ideal rematch with rival Ambrose, they had to first have to get through Portage.
