Pandas cruise past Huskies to open 2024

SASKATOON, SK – After a long winter break, the Saskatchewan Huskies were ready to hit the court to kick off the first match up of 2024 at home. The Huskies welcomed the Canada West second ranked Alberta Pandas to the Physical Activity Complex Friday night, ready for a tough match up against the skilled team. After a tight first two sets, the Pandas dominated the third to secure the win 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-9). 
 
THE HIGHLIGHTS

• Both teams came ready to play, resulting in a close first set from start to finish. The two teams found themselves tied at 23 before the Pandas eventually closed out the set 25-23.
• The Huskies continued to put up a fight in the second, keeping the score close, but found themselves trailing the Pandas for the duration of the set. Though close in score in the end, the Pandas came out on top with another 25-23 set win over the Huskies.
• After securing the first two sets, the Pandas took control of set three, dominating the set over the Huskies. The Huskies were unable to find their footing and found themselves falling behind quickly. The Pandas dominated the set and secured the game with a 25-9 win over Sask.

THE STATS

• Alberta’s Laila Johnson lead the stats in kills with 15 kills and swinging 0.444 percent.
• Alberta had three players with two service aces; Lauryn Tremblay, Laila Johnson, and Abby Guezen.
• Saskatchewan put up 35 total team digs on the night with Alberta right behind with 34.
• The Pandas out-swung the Huskies, racking up a total of 40 kills in the three sets played. The Huskies with 25. 

THE STANDINGS
Heading into the match-up the Huskies hold a 5-7 record on the season and the Pandas 10-2. The Panda’s win will improve their record to 11-2 and shift the Huskeis record to 5-8. The Pandas are currently ranked 7th in the U Sports standings and 2nd in Canda West and the Huskies sit in the 7th place position in Canada West..
 
NEXT UP
The two teams will be returning to the Physical Activity Complex for a rematch Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM. The Huskies look to take the win over the Pandas and even the series and force a split. Tickets are available at HuskieTickets.com and for fans unable to attend, they can catch the action live on CanadaWest.TV.