Crosstown rivalry renewed for final time this season

CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos men’s volleyball team (8-4) will play a home-and-home set this weekend against their crosstown rival, the Mount Royal University Cougars (4-8).

The Dinos will be on the road for the opening game, which is slated to begin at 5 p.m on Saturday, Feb. 12 at Kenyon Court. Calgary will then host the Cougars for the second match at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13 at the Jack Simpson Gym.

FAMILIAR FACES
The Dinos and Cougars both return to action after a bye week. The Dinos are an impressive 3-1 since the start of the second semester, including one statement win over the Canada West Central Division-leading Alberta Golden Bears. Calgary and Mount Royal last faced off in the first week of December, where each team was able to earn a win. Hamish Hazelden was a key contributor in that Dinos win, compiling an impressive 15 kills through just 3 sets.

DOMINANT DEFENCE
The Dinos defensive prowess has been on full display as of late, headlined by Lincoln Baines, who ranks second in the nation in blocks per set at 1.52. Rookie Louis Kunstmann has also been big at the net, averaging just over one block/set, ranking him fifth in Canada West and 11th nationally. As a whole, the Dinos defence has averaged to hold opponents to a .212 hitting percentage on the year.

RED HOT ROOKIES
Calgary’s first-year players have been exciting to watch and have made their presence felt on the court all season. Kuntsmann and Erik Godwin have been scorching hot of late, combining for 29 kills over the past two games.

SCOUTING REPORT
vs. Mount Royal Cougars
Game Info: Saturday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. – Kenyon Court & Sunday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. – Jack Simpson Gym
2021-22 Record: 4-8, 3rd in Canada West Central Division
Players to Watch: Chris Byam (3.95 Kills per set) and Luis Lange (.307 hitting percentage)

NOTES

• Mount Royal and Calgary have gone to five sets twice this season
• The Cougars have dropped four of their last six matches against the Dinos
• Chris Byam ranks third in Canada West in both total kills (170) and kills/set (3.95)

UP NEXT
The Dinos will host the Alberta Golden Bears next weekend as they play their final home games of the regular season and honour their graduating players.