SASKATOON, SK – The Saskatchewan Huskies (6-8) were on home court for the first time in 2023, after starting the year on the road in BC. Tonight’s matchup against the top ranked Trinity Western Spartans (13-1) ended with an incredible performance by the Huskies, as they took the win in four sets (20-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22).
From the start, the Huskies proved to be a formidable opponent against the Spartans. The first set would see a lot of back and forth between the teams, with second year Jolene Sibley grabbing four kills in the first half of the set, giving Saskatchewan an 11-9 lead. The Spartans wouldn’t let up though, pushing back and forcing errors as they took a 19-17 lead. Saskatchewan would call a time out, but the momentum had already shifted, and Trinity Western would take the first set 25-20.
The Spartans start strong in the second set, taking a quick 10-4 lead over the Huskies. Saskatchewan’s Mandi Fraser would come out swinging, with a pair of kills to bring the Huskies within four. Trinity Western showed why they’re the top ranked team in the league, forcing a flurry of errors from Saskatchewan, moving to a 17-12 lead. Tied up at 23-23, TWU would make a critical service error, followed by an incredible kill from Rosetta Cyr to give the Huskies the 25-23 win.
Saskatchewan would take advantage of errors from Trinity Western early in the third set, capitalizing on early service errors from the Spartans, and three attack errors from Maryn Boldon, leading 9-5 early in the set. TWU would come back from a timeout, outscoring the Huskies seven to three, and tying the set at 12-12. The set would end the same as the second, with a service error from the Spartans, and a kill from the Huskies. Saskatchewan would win the third set 25-21.
The Spartans would dominate the start of the fourth set, with a quick 6-1 lead, forcing the Huskies to take an early timeout. The set would go back and forth between the teams, with the Spartans slowly adding to their score, and the Huskies fighting back. An impressive kill from Saskatchewan’s Andjela Dikic would bring the Huskies within two at 17-15 Spartans. The Huskies determination would overwhelm the Spartans, as they would win the set 25-22, and hand Trinity Western their second loss of the season.
Dora Komlodi would be a star for the Spartans tonight, leading the team in assists (42), digs (15) and aces (3). Jolene Sibley would have two aces and four blocks for the Huskies, with Julia Howell Bourner leading the team in kills (10), Averie Allard with 20 assists, and Caet McCorkell grabbing 19 digs.
The Huskies will look to build on tonight’s win in game two of the series on Saturday afternoon at the PAC. Tickets are available at huskietickets.com.
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