EDMONTON – In a big Alberta showndown, the University of Alberta Golden Bears defeated the University of Calgary Dinos in three straight sets, 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-22) Friday night at Saville Community Sports Centre.
With the win, the Bear take sole possession of first place in the Canada West Central Division and improve their win streak to five games. Meanwhile, the Dino lost their first of the seaso and now hold a 4-1 record. With the loss the Dinos now sit two points back for the Bears in standings.
Leading the way for the home side was third-year Braedon Friesen with 13 kills, while senior Max Elgart had 33 assists and three aces in the win.
Across the court, the Dinos leadership came from senior Hamish Hazelden who had 14 kills, seven digs and one ace in the loss. Teammate Tomas Sorra had 14 assists.
Both teams proved why they are on top of the standings early in the first set, exchanging points throughout. However, the Bears managed to have the upper hand with the hometown crowd, taking an early one set lead.
In another close set, the bears battled to gain a slight lead, 12-9, before one of Elgerts three aces swung the monetium to lead 16-11 at the technical timeout. Not going away quietly, the visitors fought back within two points, 21-19, but it was too little too late, as Elgert’s diving save to keep the ball up for set point helped secure a 25-20 set win.
Hoping to stay alive in the third set, the Dinos stayed close to their hosts, exchanging points before pulling ahead for their first lead, 8-7. Not wanting to head a fourth set, Friesen took back the momentum, smashing a kill into the opposition’s chest to even the score again at eight.
Later on, With game point clearly insight for the home side up 24-22, the Dino sent a kill out of bounds, sending the Bears and the crowd into celebration. However, after a brief talk between officials the ball was deemed to be tipped out of bounds by the Bears, forcing them to regroup for a second match point. Succeeding the second time, Greyden Wiebe’s block hit the floor for a 25-22 set and game win.
Both teams will meet again tomorrow night at 5:00 PM MT on the same court at Saville Community Sport Centre, with the Dinos looking to bounce back.
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