EDMONTON – The University of Alberta Pandas extended their win streak to six games with a 3-0 straight sets win (25-12, 25-20, 25-23) over the University of Calgary Dinos women’s volleyball team on Friday night at the Saville Community Sports Centre.
Since dropping their opening three games of the season, the Pandas have surged up the conference standings and hold a 6-3 record.
Calgary’s play improved as the match went on, but they could not solve Alberta’s strong passing game and fall to 2-5 on the season.
Among the assist leaders in Canada West, fourth-year setter Justine Kolody compiled 30 while dictating her team’s offence in the three-set contest.
The Pandas came out swinging and dominated the first set with 15 points coming off kills. Tied 3-3 early, Alberta scored eight of the next nine points to open a commanding lead. Alberta middle blockers Allie Moore and Ronnie Dickson played a key role offensively as they cruised to an early advantage.
The Dinos regrouped and pushed the Pandas in a back-and-forth second set. Every time it appeared Alberta would pull away, Calgary received key contributions to keep it close. Among those to step up was rookie outsider hitter Ava Fontaine. The Pandas’ offence was efficient in the second, posting a .438 hitting percentage, but the Dinos couldn’t overcome their errors, as they went down by two.
The lead changed hands a couple of times during a competitive third set. The Dinos’ defenders claimed spots on the highlight reel with timely digs, while outside hitters Daisy Olsen and Sophia Hansen had Calgary in position to force a fourth set. But after a timeout, Moore left her mark on the game with back-to-back kills and a block on match point.
Abby Gueze led all Pandas with 13 kills, while Moore finished with 10. Hansen and Olsen were Calgary’s top offensive threats and collected 10 and eight kills, respectively.
The rematch between the Dinos and Pandas takes place on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the Saville Community Sports Centre.