T-Birds suffer straight-sets setback vs Cougars

Mount Royal came into first of two weekend contests ready to play and handed the visiting University of British Columbia a 3-0 straight-sets loss on Friday evening, 25-18, 25-22, 28-26.

The Cougars women came out with purpose, giving themselves a substantial lead in the first set, going ahead 15-12 at one point before the Thunderbirds used their first time out. Their second came just five points later after MRU went up 18-12. The Cougars claimed the next point and brought their lead to seven before UBC countered. 

Madison Marshall was a usual standout on the court, followed closely by Haley Roe and Ella Lawrence. The three combined for 13 kills in the opening set before a floater kill from Lawrence landed perfectly in center court to seal the set 25-18 for the Cougars. 

The Cougar connection was undeniable, with their on court communication evident. Quinn Pelland was able to utilize MRU’s hitters to the best of their ability while they constantly switched up the type of attack to keep themselves unpredictable on court. 

UBC wasn’t about to fold under the pressure, forcing long rallies and tough points through the second. British Columbia managed to hold the Cougars within reach through the first half of the set but struggled in jousts at the net. 

Elise Petit came alive for the Thunderbirds, smashing down five kills in the second set alone. However, that wasn’t enough to overcome Mount Royal, with Mya Morgan tipping the ball over to win the set 25-22. 

The third set was the needed momentum shift for the Thunderbirds that forced this match into extra points, removing the Cougars lead from 24-21 to 24 all. 

Morgan and Lawrence were a wall on the left side, with every attack from the Thunderbirds being sent directly back at them. Morgan stepped up to serve, before UBC countered, sending it back over. Pelland dug the attack before Roe hammered it down for the win, 28-26.

“We really just stuck together, even through those tough points,” said Marshall, tonight’s player of the game. “It was really fun. We stayed really disciplined to our game plan.”

Marshall was dominant, with 11 kills, 15 digs and two aces on the night. 

On UBC’s side, Kacey Jost was player of the game with an impressive performance at libero finishing with 10 digs. She was easily credited with keeping the Thunderbirds in the game through every point. 

They rematch tomorrow in Kenyon Court at 5 p.m. start. Catch the game live or on Canada West TV. 

MRU player of the game: Madison Marshall

UBC player of the game: Kacey Jost