In the first match of this year’s U SPORT Men’s Volleyball Championship, the Canada West Champions took down the Laval Rouge et Or in four sets (23-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-19).
After Alberta dropped the first set they fought back, taking the next three, including a dominant 25-15 win in the third.
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The U SPORTS Most Outstanding Player of the Year, Isaac Heslinga, finished the game with 32 kills—setting an Alberta program record. Heslinga also led the team in digs with seven.
Alberta’s Jacob Sargent also had a standout game for the Bears. The outside added an additional 14 kills with a .500 hitting percentage.
As a team, the Bears put up a strong defensive presence at the net and recorded 11 blocks, four assisted and seven solo.
Rouge et Or’s Max Losier secured 13 points from 12 kills and 1 service ace, bagging status as Laval’s player of the game.
With the win, the Golden Bears advance to the semi finals, where they will take on the winner of the UBC-McMaster quarter final on Friday at 8pm. Lavel will face the loser of the same match on Saturday at 4pm.
MIKASA PLAYERS OF THE GAME:
Alberta: Isaac Heslinga
Laval: Max Losier
STAT LEADERS
ALBERTA
Kills: Isaac Heslinga (32)
Points: Isaac Heslinga (33.5)
Blocks: Billy Johnstone (6)
Digs: Isaac Heslinga (7)
Service aces: Jacob Sargent, Sam Drybrough, Liam Espedido, Grayden Weibe (1)
LAVAL
Kills: Max Losier (12)
Points: Max Losier (13)
Blocks: Johnathon Addy (3)
Digs: Terell Tchouassi, Max Lossier (5)
Service aces: Max Losier (1)