MVB: Gritty comebacks make for thrilling return to playoff action

It was a night of gritty comebacks Thursday as Canada West men’s volleyball playoff action made its return after a year hiatus. The night showed fans they should never predict an outcome, because just when things look one way, they go another. That unpredictability arose from the resilience of CW athletes. 

Those athletes were hard at work in three host sites across the country: Trinity Western (with help from Fraser Valley), Alberta and Winnipeg. 

Pool A 

TWU vs TRU: The country’s number one ranked Trinity Western team were quick to prove there’s only room for excellence in these CW Playoffs. They swept Thompson Rivers (8-8 in the regular season) in straight sets while setting program records for aces and offensive conversion. TRU pressed back in the second set but were unable to get on enough of a roll to turn the tide. Full recap here. 

BDN vs MRU: The ability to close out games showed its importance in this one, as Brandon took a four set victory over Mount Royal. After MRU won the the first by 6, the Bobcats battled back to take the next two, each 25-22. Mount Royal didn’t let that discourage them, as they fought in a neck-and-neck race to 25 in the fourth, with that match having to be extended. MRU ultimately allowed Brandon to score four straight after leading it 24-22. Full recap here. 

Pool B

UFV vs ALB: The hometown Alberta Golden Bears were on a mission to show their fans exactly why they’re ranked fifth in the country. But the Fraser Valley Cascades had something to say about it. The heavy underdog Cascades gave Alberta a tougher fight than expected, giving viewers some highly competitive volleyball, but the Bears came out on top in each of the three sets needed to win the match. Full recap here. 

SSK vs UBC: An underdog story shaped up in a match of true grit that was a treat to the fans at the University of Alberta. The Saskatchewan Huskies erased a 2-1 set deficit to overpower the UBC Thunderbirds in five, having to be near-perfect for two straight sets. The fifth set was an outstanding way to cap off a thriller, with neither team holding a lead of more than two points.  Full recap here. 

Pool C

WPG vs MAN: Two provinces apart, the same storyline was unfolding. Host Winnipeg rallied back after falling down to the lower-seeded Manitoba Bisons 2-1. In this match of crosstown rivals, the intensity was palpable at the Duckworth Centre. Full recap here.

CGY vs UBCO: Calgary survived a scare, but was able to regain footing after dropping sets three and four to the UBCO Heat Thursday. UBCO found another gear after stalling out through most of the first two sets. They pushed Calgary, who pushed them back as the teams swapped punches in an thrilling fifth set. The Dinos took it with a score of 15-13. Full recap here. 

All these teams are back for more thrilling action, heroic displays and edge-of-your seat moments Friday. Don’t miss a moment by tuning in to Canada West TV presented by Co-op. 

Friday Schedule

Pool A at TWU / UFV
Trinity Western vs. Mount Royal – 8:30 pm @ Langley Events Centre
Brandon vs. Thompson Rivers – 8:00 pm @ UFV

Pool B at University of Alberta
Alberta vs. Saskatchewan – 8:00 pm
British Columbia vs. Fraser Valley – 3:00 pm

Pool C at University of Winnipeg 
Winnipeg vs. University of the British Columbia Okanagan – 6:00 pm
Calgary vs. Manitoba – 7:45 pm

For the complete schedule and results, visit Playoff Central. 

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