MVB: Saskatchewan Takes Down Fifth-Ranked Wesmen in Four Sets

SASKATOON, SK – The U SPORTS fourth-ranked Saskatchewan Huskies welcomed the fifth-ranked Winnipeg Wesmen to the Physical Activity Complex Friday evening for a Top-5 matchup that would prove to be thrilling for fans, with the Huskies securing the four set victory (25-22, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23).
 
THE HIGHLIGHTS

• The two teams would battle hard right from the first serve, with very few point runs, keeping the score close. Saskatchewan came out on top, taking the first set 25-22 and establishing a lead over Winnipeg.
• The Huskies used their momentum from the first set, improving their team-hitting percentage and shutting down the Wesmen, putting up big blocks and widening the score gap. Saskatchewan took set two with room to breathe, 25-17.
• Winnipeg responded in the third, down two sets to none, refusing to go down in three. With a 0.444 team-hitting percentage, Winnipeg’s heavy swings allowed them to take the third set 25-22 over the Huskies.
• The fourth set would be another close one, with both teams battling at the net. Tied 21-21, the Huskies would be the first to reach 23, forcing the Wesmen to call a strategic timeout to throw off their opponent. The Huskies would not back down, pushing to a 25-23 set win.

THE STATS

• Winnipeg’s Isaiah Olfert led in attacks (18) and service aces (3).
• Emmett Graham was the leader for the Huskies in attacks with 17, with Isaiah Mamer close behind at 16.
• Saskatchewan’s libero Ethan Smith the match in digs (13).
• The Huskies had 10 total team blocks, while the Wesmen had 12.

THE STANDINGS 
Saskatchewan improved to 9-2, while the loss put the Wesmen at 6-5 on the season. The Huskies hold the second-place position in Canada West, and Winnipeg sits comfortably in fourth.
 
THE EXTRAS
Ahead of today’s match-up, the two teams took a moment of silence for the Thompson Rivers WolfPack and the players involved in Wednesday’s multi-vehicle accident in Kamloops, BC. Our most sincere thoughts are with their families and loved ones. Huskie Athletics offers our deepest condolences from one pack to another. 
 
NEXT UP
The two teams will return to the Physical Activity Complex for a rematch on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available at HuskieTickets.com, and fans unable to attend the game can catch the live stream on CanadaWest.TV.