Calgary, ALTA — Mount Royal University’s men’s volleyball team returned to Kenyon Court for their first regular season game in a matchup against the University of Fraser Valley Cascades, resulting in a three-set victory (25-23, 25-20, 25-19).
The Cougars started the first set with intensity behind their kills, as Isaac Karstad earned the first point by returning a free ball too fast for the Cascades to get underneath. This set would go back and forth in service and attack errors with some successful plays from both teams. Notably, Jovan Stepanovic recorded two aces in this set, with each one highlighting the power behind his serves to stun the receiving end of the Cascades. The Cougars would be able to take the first set in 25-23.
Shortly into the second set, the Cougars would go on six-point run as Karstad delivered two service aces to draw an early timeout from the Cascades. The Cougars’ performance exemplified offensive dominance as the team totaled 14 kills to claim the second set, 25-20.
In the early half of the third set, the Cougars and Cascades, once again, struggled to serve the ball that would result in an exchange of points. However, after a quick serve from MRU, Grant Hill set the perfect ball for Ryan John to come soaring in from the back row to send the ball right between two Cascades players who were unable to get under the ball. Stepanovic earned another ace late into the third set to give the Cougars a 19-15 lead. The Cascades would call a timeout after the ace, which halted the Cougars’ run, but it would not be enough to pull a comeback in the set as the Cougars would take the set 25-19 to seal a clean sweep in their home-opener.
Tonight’s MVP is Ryan John as he racked in 10 kills, 2 service aces, and 4 digs for a total of 12 points.
The Cougars will return to Kenyon Court in a rematch against the Cascades tomorrow night at 7p.m. MST.