SASKATOON, Sask. – The U SPORTS No. 8-ranked Saskatchewan Huskie men’s volleyball team completed a weekend sweep of the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack on Saturday night (Nov. 30) on the Ron & Jane Graham Centre Court at the Physical Activity Complex. Set scores were 22-25, 25-20, 25-17, and 25-23.
With the win, the Huskies improve to 6-4 on the season and move into a tie for fifth-place in the Canada West standings with the UBCO Heat. Meanwhile the Wolfpack drop to 2-8 and sit in a three-way tie for the tenth and final playoff position.
The Saskatchewan winning effort was led by Emmett Graham, who returned to action this weekend after missing time with an injury. Graham was in peak form Saturday night, recording a game-high 28 points thanks to 25 kills, two service aces, and one block while converting on an impressive 69.7% of attacks. Outside hitter Isaiah Mamer also produced a strong outing, totaling 14.5 points with 13 kills.
On the other side of the net, Sam Flowerday led the way for the Wolfpack with 13.0 points and 11 kills, followed closely by Matthew Hamilton who recorded nine points in the loss.
After Thompson Rivers jumped out to an early lead taking the first set 22-25, the Dogs responded with a strong second frame which saw the home team capture four straight points following a 16-16 stalemate. It was then Emmett Graham who recorded two kills while Thompson Rivers committed three errors late to tie the game at one set apiece. The third saw the Huskies jump out to an 8-2 lead before stretching the lead to 21-13. Graham then returned to the fold alongside Jefferson Morrow to close things out for the lead.
It was a similar story in the fourth, with the home team building a significant lead early. Despite a strong effort from the Wolfpack late who cut the lead to two, the Dogs held their composure and earned a weekend series sweep.
Saskatchewan and Thompson Rivers now head to the winter break before returning to action in the new year on January 10 and 11 in Calgary.