Despite loss, Dinos earn playoff berth Friday

CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women’s volleyball team fell to the University of Manitoba Bisons 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-22) Friday night at Jack Simpson Gym.

The loss puts the Dinos at 12-11 in their season so far, while the Bisons move to 14-9.

The Bisons came out strong, getting the first four points of the match, but the Dinos slowly shook off their pre-game jitters to get the score back within one.

For the rest of the first set, the pattern saw Manitoba gain a small lead, but the Dinos would continually close the scoring gap until the Bisons reached 25 first to take the set. 

Similar to the first, Calgary had a rocky start to the second set and were unable to find their grove while Manitoba kept up their consistent play.

Although the Dinos were unable to overtake their opponents, they had some notable moments, which included winning two long rallies and Sophie Reed delivering a beautiful campfire shot at about the halfway point of the set, but it was not enough to overtake their opponents. 

The Bisons continued their strong play in the third, jumping out to a 9-4 lead early. Calgary fought back and took the lead at 15-14, but Manitoba was able to answer back and finish this one out in three.

Despite the loss, the Dinos secured a playoff spot due to other results across the conference.

“I don’t think we played our best,” Dinos rookie Daisy Olsen said after the match. “I think we could have done better, but I think we were just a little bit flat. Tomorrow we’ll have more energy and come out the gate stronger. 

“The player of the game for us was for sure Stella, I think she’s a great setter and she really ran some good plays, but the game just didn’t go our way this time.”

Manitoba’s Raya Surinx led all players in points with 16, which included 14 kills and a service ace. Alice Nikolaychuk led the Dinos with 10 kills on the night, while Olsen was just behind with nine on just 15 swings.

Stella Rains dished out 30 assists on the night for the Dinos, while Katreena Bentley orchestrated the Bisons offence with 36 assists in the win.

The two teams will have a rematch Saturday at Jack Simpson Gym. First serve is for 5 p.m. following the Dinos Seniors’ Day presentation.

-UC-