SPARTAN MALE ATHLETE OF THE WEEK I JESSE ELSER

LANGLEY, B.C. – Jesse Elser (Calgary) has been named this week’s Spartan Male Athlete of the Week after playing a key role in No. 1 ranked Trinity Western’s 2-0 weekend in the Canada West Playoffs.

Elser compiled an impressive stat-line over the weekend, averaging 2.3 kills per set, 1 ace per set, 3.3 points per set, and 1.8 digs per set over the weekend’s matchups against Saskatchewan (3-0 W) and the No. 7 ranked Calgary Dinos (3-0 W). With these two victories in hand, the Spartans ­– who are currently 5-0 in the Canada West Playoffs – have earned hosting rights to this year’s Canada West Final Four.

Elser kicked his weekend off with solid performance in TWU’s straight-set victory over Saskatchewan (25-17, 25-18, 25-20). The third-year outside hitter, whose game thrives on versatility, was exactly that in the team’s win, putting down seven kills, three aces, and six digs en route to an important victory for the Spartans.

With the Dinos looking to play spoiler after bouncing Saskatchewan in an emotional match on Saturday, Elser and Spartans came to play in Sunday’s victory, giving the Dinos little hope (25-21, 25-18, 25-16). Elser came out of the gates with another seven kills, hitting a solid .357 in his boost of the Spartans. Chipping in with three assists, which stands as a rare feat for an outside hitter, Elser completed another well-rounded performance as the Spartans cruised to their fifth playoff victory, and 20^th conference win of the season.

The Spartans have won 34 of 37 games against university competition this season, with 22 of 23 victories coming against Canada West opponents. Up next, TWU will be hosting the Canada West Final Four, starting their weekend off against No. 10 ranked Brandon, who stood as one of TWU’s fiercest competitors in the 2021-22 season by taking the Spartans to five sets on Mar. 5, 2022. The game will be played live at the Langley Events Centre on Friday at 6:00 p.m. (PT).

About Spartan Athletics
As official members of U SPORTS, the Spartans currently compete in 13 sports in the Canada West conference, including women’s and men’s soccer, volleyball, basketball, hockey, cross country and track & field, as well as women’s rugby sevens. TWU also competes as an independent team in men’s rugby. Since TWU entered U SPORTS in 1999, the Spartans have won 12 U SPORTS team championships and 29 Canada West team championships.

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