Heslinga, Sargent have young Alberta men's volleyball team playing beyond its years

The University of Alberta men's volleyball roster on paper does not conjure up images of an experienced team at the U Sports level.

With no fifth-year player in the usual rotation and a starting lineup littered with first- through third-year players, the youthful nature of the Golden Bears' team does not equate with the leadership group on the squad and the success they've achieved.

Leading the way for the No. 2-ranked team in the nation is a pair of six-foot-seven outside hitters in the form of third-year Isaac Heslinga and second-year Jacob Sargent.

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Regardless of how many more opportunities the 19-year-old Lethbridge, Alta., native Sargent may have to collect more Canada West titles or challenge for medals at nationals in the coming years, the expectation for his team in his sophomore season couldn't be more clear.

"Our first goal as a team this year is first win Canada West (CW) and then, secondly, win nationals," said Sargent, whose freshman season consisted of a CW title win over Trinity Western and bowing out to McMaster in the bronze-medal game at nationals. "That's our goal going into … every season. We want to be the best in the country when it's all said and done."

One young Golden Bear that has reached the top of the mountain is the 22-year-old Heslinga, who was named to the 2022 U Sports men's volleyball championship all-star team in his freshman season after Alberta claimed its ninth national title in program history — just one off the record shared by Manitoba and Winnipeg.

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The Orangeville, Ont., native was an impact starter at Alberta from day one, forming an instant and deadly