CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women’s volleyball team fell in three sets (18-25, 12-25, 21-25) to the rival University of Alberta Pandas on Saturday night at Jack Simpson Gym.
The Dinos move to 2-8 on the season, while the No. 1-ranked Pandas remain undefeated and improve to 10-0.
Pandas outside hitter Julia Zonneveld led her team in dominant back-to-back set wins to open the night and finished the game recording 12 kills, 12 digs, four assists and a service ace. 10 Dinos errors contributed to the first set loss.
The Pandas began the second set with a 6-0 run. The Dinos chipped away at the Pandas’ lead to make the score 10-5. However, Alberta went on a 5-1 run to increase their lead to 15-6. The Pandas consistent serving would propel them to a 25-12 finish.
The previous two sets did not rattle the Dinos as they went back and forth with the Pandas to begin the third set. Their offence was ignited under Regan Ingram as they constructed a 9-5 lead. But the Pandas proved why they are the top team in Canada West as they worked their way to a 12-10 comeback.
After a few long rallies, the Dinos found success and took the lead again to make the game 17-15 courtesy of a couple of kills from Kenzie Vaandering. That strong effort from the Dinos would not be enough as the Pandas’ strong offensive performance in the late stages of the third set won them the game 25-21.
Vaandering and Ingram each had 10 kills to lead the Calgary attack.
Next weekend the Dinos will be northbound to Edmonton for a pair of games against the MacEwan Griffins at the David Atkinson Gym, Jan. 28-29. The Pandas will return to their home gym for a meeting with the Mount Royal Cougars. Catch all the action on Canada West TV, presented by Co-op.