MVB: Huskies rebound to earn weekend split with MRU

Box Score
CALGARY, AB –  The University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s volleyball team defeated the Mount Royal University 3-1 (24-26, 18-25, 25-21, 22-25) Saturday night at Kenyon Court.

The first set was a back and forth battle between the Huskies and Cougars. Saskatchewan setter Noah Opseth distributed his attack well, diversifying his options to Emmett Graham, Isaiah Mamer and Jefferson Morrow. The Huskies registered a staggering 17 kills in the first set and narrowly defeated the Cougars.

Saskatchewan kept cruising in the second set. Midway through the set Jefferson Morrow denied Cougars star Chris Byam at the net with a huge block. The Australian’s big play electrified his team and surged the Huskies to an assertive 2-0 lead.

The Cougars turned to their bench to make the comeback attempt. Rookie setter Grant Hill formed an impressive partnership with Tate Howell to give Mount Royal some life. Howell put down 12 kills and was the Cougars best player on Saturday.

In the third set, MRU’s Cody Boulding return the favour to Jefferson Morrow with a thunderous block at the net, energizing the Cougars to claw back. The two squads took it down to the wire but a booming kill from Max Haronga sealed the third set win for MRU to force a fourth.

In the fourth, Saskatchewan regained their swagger. After trading points, the Huskies began to control the play and forced Cougars head coach Shawn Sky to call a timeout. Mount Royal went to the bench to regroup and put some points back on the board, tying the game at 20 after a red card was issued to the Huskies and MRU was awarded a point.

However, the Huskies were able to pull away to secure the win and the weekend split with the Cougars.

Mount Royal moves to 10-6 on the year in Canada West play. Next weekend the Cougars will take host the University of Fraser Valley Cascades on the back half of their four-game homestretch. Stream the games on Canada West TV or catch the action in person by purchasing tickets online.