Dinos return to play against top-ranked Pandas

CALGARY – After a break in the action, the University of Calgary Dinos women’s volleyball team returns to the court this weekend at the Jack Simpson Gym to take on the No. 1 team in the country, the undefeated University of Alberta Pandas. 

The first serve takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, followed by another game on Saturday, Jan. 22, starting at 6:30 p.m.

NEW YEAR, NEW ME
After a 2-6 start, the Dinos will look to shake off the Fall semester and ring in the New Year by handing the Pandas their first loss of the season. The Dinos will host the 2022 U SPORTS Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Jack Simpson Gym, March 25-27.

TALENTED ROOKIES 
While the Dinos have one of the younger rosters in the entire country this season, those newcomers have shown they have plenty of talent. Most of the major statistical leaders for the Dinos are first-year players, including Michela Alongi with 103 digs, Sheridan Coninx with 23 total blocks, and Sophie Reed with 63 kills. Five of the top six Dinos in sets played this season are also in just their first collegiate season.

CAN YOU DIG IT?
First-year libero Michela Alongi has 103 digs on the season, cracking the top five in Canada West. She sits just one spot behind Pandas fourth-year libero Jenae Eisler, who has 104. 

SCOUTING REPORT
vs. University of Alberta Pandas
Game Info Friday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. & Saturday, Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. – Jack Simpson Gym
2021-22 Record 8-0, 1st in Canada West Central Division
Player to Watch Fifth-year Panda Kory White leads the team in offensive statistics, tallying 98 kills so far this season.

NOTES:

• The Pandas lead Canada West with service aces, recording 73 through their first eight games.
• Alberta has yet to be pushed to a fifth set this season, winning five of their matches in sweeps, while winning their other three matches by a 3-1 final.
• First-year setter Edan Wade is one assist shy from hitting the 200 mark. 

UP NEXT 
The Dinos will head up the road next week to take on the MacEwan Griffins, Jan. 28-29, at the David Atkinson Gym in Edmonton.