CALGARY – The University of Calgary men’s volleyball team defeated the University of Winnipeg Wesmen by a score of 3-0 Friday evening inside the Jack Simpson Gym. The Dinos energy level was high from the opening point and that continued throughout the contest.
After splitting last weekend’s series with UFV, the Dinos, were determined to improve back on their home court. Calgary senior Liam Kuppe, who had a solid all-around performance registering seven kills, three blocks and five digs, spoke about his team’s high level of play tonight.
“I think after splitting with UFV last weekend we had a lot of fire. We want to make the playoffs and put ourselves in the best spot that we can. We grinded it out this week in practice and brought everything we could in our home gym.”
Kuppe, who is in his seventh season with the Dinos, also relayed the Dinos biggest strength as a team. One that he thinks will give them a good chance to make some noise as the season continues.
“I think the camaraderie and our ability to stick together through both the good and bad times is what is going to take us the furthest this season,” Kuppe said. “That’s how it’s been in my seven years on this team, it’s always that togetherness and we’re definitely feeling it tonight.”
The home fans certainly had a lot to cheer about Friday. The opening set began in style as Dinos hitter Erik Godwin took advantage of an early free ball, driving home the first of his seven kills on the night. The opening set was a back-and-forth affair, neither team was willing to give ground. After a kill by Winnipeg’s Matt Klysh (three kills, 11 assists) made it 14-12 Wesmen, Liam Kuppe made two big momentum plays that electrified the crowd and swung the momentum back in the Dinos favour.
First, Kuppe delivered a kill to make it 13-14, then on the very next play Kuppe dialed up an ace, bringing the game to 14-4. The Dinos would go on to take a commanding 23-18 lead, which forced Winnipeg to call a timeout. However, the Wesmen’s passing was less than precise as they gave up back-to-back free balls in which Lincoln Baines (nine kills) promptly and purposefully drilled into the hardwood. The Dinos would take the first set 25-18.
The second set was tight in the early going as Calgary jumped out to a modest 13-9 lead.
Wesmen hitter Nigel Nielsen (nine kills) kept Calgary’s lead within three as he powered the kill straight through the Calgary blockade. Nielsen swung with power and aggression throughout the match. His kills often swung the momentum in Winnipeg’s favour.
Calgary stuck with their gameplan and played strong team defence. A pair of Dinos came together to block Nielsen later in the set, extending the lead 16-12. With the score now 20-14, Godwin came up with another big block for the Dinos. The ball ricocheted off Godwin and back towards the Wesmen. Winnipeg setter Alex Krykewich made a backwards diving leap for the ball, however it was just out of reach. This play summed up the night for Winnipeg as despite their best efforts it just did not seem to be their night. To this point Winnipeg would hold Calgary to a 22.7% hitting percentage for the frame, however they were unable to overcome 12 attack errors. The Dinos would take the second set 25-20.
The Dinos cruised to a sizable lead in the third and final set, going up 15-8 at the midway point. To their credit, Winnipeg was able to rally back and make it interesting. However, Calgary would go on to win 25-18.
With the win, Calgary improves to 6-9 on the season and are now tied in the standings with Winnipeg. The teams face off again Saturday night at the Jack Simpson Gym. Game time is scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m.
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