The University of Regina’s women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in a five set thriller on Saturday night in Regina.
Cougars libero Sierra Parris-Kruger put up a monster performance with a match-high 29 digs to help the team take down the Canada West East Division leaders. Her 29 digs were good enough to tie her for 3rd place on the Regina Cougars single-game digs record list.
The Huskies scored the final four points of the first set after being down 23-21 to take the opener 25-23. The Cougars responded by scoring the first five points of the second set. A quick timeout by the Huskies ensured that the run would go no further. Saskatchewan got close after that, bringing it to 12-10 for Regina. With third-year middle blocker Claire Sheppard serving, the Cougars went on an eight point run to take a commanding 20-10 lead of the set. Regina closed out the second 25-17 to tie the game at one set apiece.
The third set went in a similar fashion, as the Cougars again scored the first five points of the set. The Cougars did not let the Huskies catch up, as they maintained at least a 4 point lead for the rest of the set to take it 25-17 and a 2-1 lead overall.
The Huskies answered back in the fourth set, refusing to go away. A kill by outside hitter Caitlyn Spurr gave the Cougars a 24-23 lead and match-point. Three straight points by the Huskies, capped off by a kill from Emily Koshinsky, forced a fifth and final set.
The Cougars started hot in the fifth set, scoring the first three points and taking a 6-2 lead. After the Huskies fought back to be only down one point at 8-7, Regina went on a four point run to take all of the momentum. A solo block by Devyn Grimsrud closed out the set 15-11 to give the Cougars a massive win over the Huskies.
Alongside Parris-Kruger, the Cougars had multiple key contributors tonight. Jessica Lerminiaux had a match-high 17 kills and 10 digs for a double-double. Regina setter Cassadi Klapak had a team-high 45 assists and 14 digs for a double-double performance of her own. Grimsrud (eight kills, eight blocks), Spurr (13 kills, seven digs, and three service aces) and Sheppard (four service aces, four kills, and five blocks) also helped the Cougars in the victory.
Koshinsky and setter Averie Allard both double-doubled for the Huskies. Koshinsky finished with 14 kills and 12 digs while Allard dished out a match-high 47 assists and 15 digs. Saskatchewan also got solid games from Olivia Mattern (12 kills, 13 digs) and Devyn Ethier (nine kills, 11 digs).
The Cougars (4-6) have next weekend off before traveling to Saskatoon to take on the Huskies again on February 11th and 12th. The Huskies (8-2) travel to Winnipeg next weekend to take on the University of Manitoba Bisons.
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