VB: ALB setter, TWU outside go big in rivalry matches

CALGARY – Alberta’s Cam Kern and Trinity Western’s Maryn Boldon were named the Canada West Volleyball Players of the Week by the conference on Tuesday.

Kern pushed his offensive juggernauts to a new level in a much-anticipated match between the conference’s top two teams over the weekend. With both teams boasting records of 11-1 going into the games, the setter helped his squad make shockingly quick work of the Spartans.

The Golden Bears, with Kern as their centrepiece, didn’t allow the Spartans to get a single set on the board on Friday nor Saturday. Kern logged 32 assists, an ace and four digs Friday. For good measure, he laid down three kills on five attempts as the Golden Bears made a statement in Langley.

Kern kept hitting and controlling the masterful Alberta offence Saturday, this time posting 29 assists, four digs and four kills on five attempts.

The setter leads the conference in assists per set with 10.72.

With the sweep, Alberta moves into sole possession of first place in CW with a record of 13-1.

They will return to the hardcourt Jan. 13 & 14, when they travel to Winnipeg to take on the Manitoba Bisons at 6:00 and 5:00 p.m. CST respectively. You can catch the action exclusively on Canada West TV.

Game log:
Jan. 6: 32 assists, 3 kills, 1 SA, 4 digs in 3-0 W at TWU
Jan. 7: 29 assists, 4 kills, 4 digs 3-0 W at TWU

Meanwhile, rookie Maryn Boldon impressed over the weekend, leading her Spartans in kills on back-to-back nights while making the most of her opportunities.

Boldon slammed down 16 kills in TWU’s first game back from the holiday break Friday evening, working at a .364 efficiency rate. As the Spartans battled back and forth with the Pandas, she hit the deck for eight digs, contributing where she could before Trinity Western ultimately fell to Alberta, 3-2.

Boldon was unperturbed by her team’s first loss of the season, leading the charge on a vengeful 3-0 win the following night. In the shorter game, she posted 15 kills, a block assist, two digs and 15.5 points to lead all players on the floor.

Her efforts helped the Spartans maintain the top spot in CW.

Boldon and the Spartans will be back in action on Jan. 13 & 14 as they travel to Saskatoon to take on the Saskatchewan Huskies at 6:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. CST respectively. You can catch the action exclusively on Canada West TV.

Game log:
Jan. 6: 16K (.364), 8 digs in 3-2 L vs ALB
Jan. 7: 15K (.364), 1 BA, 2 digs, 15.5 points in 3-0 W vs ALB