Bears maintain momentum against MacEwan with 17th straight Canada West win

EDMONTON – Fourth-year hitter Jordan Canham had eight kills and four service aces as the Golden Bears completed the weekend sweep with a straight-set (25-10, 25-19, 25-) victory over the MacEwan Griffins Saturday afternoon at the Saville Centre.

The Bears, extending their winning streak to 17 games, were their top-ranked offensive selves in the match, recording an .370 hitting percentage and getting 30 total kills. Setter Cam Kern also had a big hand in the attack, recording a game-high 29 assists.

The Griffins slide to 1-17, however with two competitive losses following their first win of the season appear to be turning a new leaf on their campaign. Alexei Walisser was the main force of the Northern Edmonton squad recording a team-high six kills.

Alberta started the game on fire, recording a quick 7-1 run prompting a quick MacEwan timeout. The set was error heavy from both sides, however a strong Alberta attack and service game ended up being the big difference in a 25-10 Bears win. Canham led the effort with three kills, an ace, and two total blocks. MacEwan made a total of seven attack errors, compared to Alberta’s two.

The Griffins rebounded with a good start in the second set. Thanks to a couple of solid Daylan Andison spikes, MacEwan opened a 12-10 lead near the midway point of the frame. Alberta would heat up shortly after, and forced a Griffin timeout with a 7-5 run. Isaac Heslinga, who led the game last night with 14 kills, paced Alberta in the latter half recording a set-high three kills as the Bears squeaked past a more solid MacEwan 25-19.

The third set was close as both teams appeared to find their full footing. The Golden Bears, while struggling to serve the ball effectively, would still take the lead early and maintain it until a 25-19 set and game victory. They hit .312 in the set and were led by Canham who recorded two kills and a solo block.

The U SPORTS #1 ranked Golden Bears travel to Thompson Rivers (7-8) next weekend for a two game set, while the Griffins experience their bye week.