Bears tidy up first-half of season with three-set win vs MacEwan

EDMONTON – In a hotly contested crosstown game, the Alberta Golden Bears ended up on the winning end of a three-set sweep over the MacEwan Griffins on Saturday night at the Saville Centre.

While the final implies a rout, the individual sets were very tight, finishing 25-20, 27-25, and 25-23. There was not a lead larger than four for the entire game on either side.

The U SPORTS #3 ranked Alberta heads into the winter break with a perfect 8-0 record, including an astounding 24-1 set record, while MacEwan drops to 1-7 and last place in the Central division.

Alberta was led on the attack by third-year standout Braedon Friesen, who finished with 15 kills, and rookie Isaac Heslinga who added 12 kills on an efficient 0.346 attack percentage.

MacEwan was aided by their attack duo of Jefferson Morrow and Alexei Walisser, who combined for 13 kills.

The first set was a near continuation of last night’s thrilling third set that was eventually won by the Bears 30-28. While it did not go to extras, no team led by more than four points until the end of the set. Alberta’s impressive attack was on full display, with 15 kills on 27 attacks.

7^th in the Canada West in Kills/Set, Friesen was in his bag – recording seven kills using soft touch as well as remarkable power. However, MacEwan boasted a strong net presence, numbering four total blocks. Alberta eventually won the set 25-20.

The second set was even tighter, with both teams struggling to break away. MacEwan led for the majority of the set, powered by Morrow and Walisser, but the suffocating Alberta attack was enough to pull out a 27-25 extra point win.

Heslinga was a difference maker in the third set, recording four kills and setting the tone for a tight Alberta victory. MacEwan had a better attack record this set, however three straight service errors near the end of the set sunk the Griffins.

This was the last Canada West conference game for both teams until mid-January when the second half of the season starts.