MVB: Heslinga, Canham lead efficient Bears attack to Round 2 berth with victory over Huskies

EDMONTON – The University of Alberta Golden Bears booked a ticket to Round 2 of the CW playoffs with a straight set (25-18, 25-17, 25-22) victory over the University of Saskatchewan Huskies late Friday evening at the Saville Centre.

While a win would have clinched a Round 2 berth for the Huskies, they are still alive with multiple scenarios leading to further postseason play.

Rookie Isaac Heslinga had a huge night for the Bears, leading the game with 11 kills. Setter Max Elgert was also very effective as the conductor of the attack, finishing with 35 assists.

Saskatchewan’s Skylar Varga paced his squad with 10 kills of his own.

The game was plenty entertaining, as the two prairie foes showcased phenomenal attacking as well as staggering defence at points. However, it was the overall efficiency on attack for the Bears that led to the win, finishing with only three attack errors to the Huskies 19.

On the back of phenomenal performances from Heslinga and Jordan Canham the Golden Bears took the first set 25-18. Heslinga finished with a set-high six kills, flanked by a team-high four from Huskies hitter Varga. The frame featured the might of two of the top attacks in the Canada West, however the Bears were much more efficient, ending the set with a .480 hitting percentage to Saskatchewan’s .080. 

The second set was thoroughly taken over by Alberta middle Billy Johnstone, who finished the frame with five kills to go with a block and an ace. He helped lead the Bears to a 25-17 victory that firmly planted Alberta in the driver’s seat the rest of the way. Saskatchewan’s Levi Olson led the way for the losing side, recording a team-high three kills in the set.

Saskatchewan played their best frame of the day in the third set, however the Bears attack was too much to overcome leading to a 25-22 Alberta victory. Varga continued his strong game, while Canham paced the Bears. Bears libero Landon Currie also played phenomenal, routinely digging balls that had no business being dug.

The 2-0 Bears will face the 1-1 UBC Thunderbirds at 8 PM MST in the final pool game of Round 1. The Golden Bears can clinch a hosting position for next week, and eliminate the TBirds with a win.

The Huskies face the 0-2 University of Fraser Valley Cascades at 3 PM MST, and with a win or loss will await the results of the later game to find out their Round 2 fate.