Top ranked Pandas stay perfect with win over Dinos

The Dinos move to 2-7 on the season, while the Pandas improve to 9-0.

After a closely contested first set, Pandas fifth-year middle Vanessa Jarman secured the set for Alberta.

The Pandas momentum continued early in the second set as they established a 10-4 lead. However, the Dinos would work their way back to bring the score within two. Once again, the Pandas poured on the attack, making the game 16-12. Refusing to give up, the Dinos got within one point of the Pandas, making it a 17-16 game. However, the Pandas strong offensive performance would win them the set 25-18.

In the third set, the top team in the Canada West Central Division took control as they capitalized on nine Dinos errors. Kory White and Julia Zonneveld combined for nine kills in the impressive Pandas set.

Dinos head coach Christine Biggs reflected on the team’s loss, mentioning their focus on molding their young group into a team prepared for nationals.

“We’re working to develop our style of play, and I think with a new coach coming in and a bunch of first years and second years we are really working together to find our identity and develop (our) skill set in order to execute where we think we need to be in March.”

Despite the loss, first-year libero Michela Alongi shined on her birthday, recording 16 digs and two assists.

“(Michela) is always a hard worker, she’s the type of player that’s going to sacrifice her body for the team at all costs and we’re pretty fortunate to have her on our side,” reflected Biggs.

The Dinos and Pandas hit the floor again on Saturday night, with the first serve scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Catch all the action on Canada West TV, presented by Co-op.