MVB: Big blocking effort from Cougars leads them over Wesmen

Box Score
CALGARY, AB – Strong defence will take you places

In a memorable defensive effort, the Mount Royal University Cougars men’s volleyball team defeated the University of Winnipeg Wesmen 3-0 (25-23, 25-23, 25-12) Friday evening at Kenyon Court.

Winnipeg grabbed control of the first set after the Cougars stumbled out of the gates. Service errors plagued MRU as the Wesmen surged ahead.

Wesmen star outside hitter Isaiah Olfert excelled for his side registering six kills on seven attempts in the opening set. Olfert finished with team-highs of 12 kills and three aces.

Mount Royal head coach Shawn Sky‘s mid-set timeout allowed his squad to regroup and upon returning to the floor, Sky’s seven-man crew flipped a switch and pulled themselves back into the game.

The Cougars put on a defensive clinic. Led by seniors Cody Boulding and Max Haronga, MRU recorded 11 total blocks in the set. Mount Royal completely swung the momentum in their favour, propelling them to take the set by two points.

Carrying their energy into the second set, Mount Royal opened up hot. Winnipeg reset the energy with a timeout to draw even midway through the set. 

An extremely even set would draw jubilation and frustration from the home and visiting bench. 

The Cougars would prevail in the tight battle with an identical 25-23 set win to go up 2-1.

Mount Royal took those grinding back-to-back sets and focused on completing the sweep. 

They would do just that. Potential Canada West MVP Chris Byam took over, swinging hard from the right side and knocking down several kills. Along with Byam, Jacob van Geel made his presence felt while recording 10 kills in the game.

Ultimately, the Cougars cruised to a double-digit win in the third set, finishing off the Friday night sweep.

The Cougars conclude their extended homestand tomorrow night while celebrating seven graduating athletes, who will be playing their final regular season game at Kenyon Court. Tickets can be purchased online and all the action can be streamed live on Canada West TV.