CALGARY – After turning the Jack Simpson Gym into a fortress through the first five home games of the season, the University of Calgary Dinos were handed their first home defeat by a 3-1 score (14-25, 26-26, 25-22, 20-25) against the University of Alberta Golden Bears on Saturday evening.
With the win, the Golden Bears improve to 9-1 and earn the split on the road.
Pressuring Calgary from the start with their tough defence, the Bears used their length to stifle the Calgary attack in the opening frame. Billy Johnstone, who finished with seven blocks during the contest, amassed four in the first frame, helping to lead the Bears to a 25-14 first set victory.
The second set was a much tighter affair as Calgary showed resilience as they continued to match the Bears point for point. Mid-way through the set it appeared as Calgary had figured out a winning formula, as Lincoln Baines came up with two huge blocks to put the Dinos up 20-19. Despite the Dinos best efforts, the Bears were able to hang on and win the set 28-26.
The Dinos rallied on their success in the second set and would go on to capture the third set 25-22. However, Calgary’s comeback came up short as the Bears would go on to take a tightly contested fourth set 25-20.
Liam Kuppe had a team-high 10 kills for the Dinos, while Baines finished the evening with an impressive nine blocks.
Alberta had their offence led by Isaac Heslinga and Jordan Canham who collected 16 and 14 kills respectively.
The Dinos will look to get back in the win column next weekend as they travel to Edmonton to take on the MacEwan Griffins, Jan. 28-29. The Golden Bears will return home to face off against the Mount Royal Cougars. Both series can be seen on Canada West TV, presented by Co-op.
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