SASKATOON, Sask. – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s volleyball team was unable to come out with the win in their season opener against the Regina Cougars, falling in straight sets (20-25, 20-25, 23-25) on Friday Night at the Physical Activity Complex (PAC).
The Cougars came into Friday’s matchup separated from the Huskies by just one team in the Canada West pre-season coaches poll and took and early set lead after outscoring the Dogs 5-2 in the final stages.
Hannah Taryn led the way for the USask offence, recording 13 points and 12 kills. Taryn was followed closely by teammate Aidan Woloshyn who finished the match with 12 points and 10 kills while converting on 50% of her attacks.
The Cougars would offset the Dogs top attackers with an 18 point outing from Jordy McEachern. McEachern was also efficient on the attacking, recroding a .441 hitting percentage.
The opening set was tightly contested as the Huskies looked to put on a show in front of an impressive opening night crowd of 721 fans. Trailing by a point at 10-9, the Cougars would spark a 4-1 run leading to a Saskatchewan timeout. After some back-and-forth action the visitors would seize control of the set, taking the set lead with a 9-4 run.
The second frame saw the Cougars jump out to an early lead and build up a 20-13 advantage. Despite a strong comeback attempt from the Huskies, Regina would take a commanding 2-0 set lead.
In the third, and ultimatley final, set the Dogs once again went toe-to-toe with the Cougars until a 17-17 stalemate. From there the visiting team would take 6 of the next 8 points on their way to a straight sets victory.
The Huskies and Cougars are back at it Saturday afternoon in the second match of the Canada West opening weekend.