WVB: Cougars fall short in rematch against efficient scoring Heat

Box Score The Mount Royal University Cougars women’s volleyball team rematched against the University of British Columbia Okanagan Heat on Saturday night, but could not get revenge for Friday’s loss as they would be defeated 3-1 for the second night in a row (23-25, 15-25, 25-21, 18-25).

The first set was highly competitive, ending with just a two point gap between the two sides. The Cougars came out flat footed on serve receptions, as well as on their setting. Since this team depends so heavily on its blocking and killing, setting the ball up efficiently for their hitters is a huge key for their success. Still, Sydney Scatcherd, Emma Boyd and Bronwynn Davies-Neira each chipped in three kills, but it wasn’t enough as they lost 25-23.

The second set saw Mount Royal make four more attack errors than they did in their first set for a total of five. The Heat easily capitalized on this sloppy execution with Amaya Perry getting her tenth kill of the game in this set. UBCO’s consistency through the first two sets gave them a commanding lead as they only made four errors on their 29 kill attempts.

In the third set, the Cougars made a concerted effort to improve on their lackluster digging efforts in the first two sets. Boyd and Scatcherd led the way offensively with five kills each, while Jessica Osczevski made herself honorary digger as she led the team on defense. They also managed to increase their efficiency on kill attempts by a whopping 25% compared to the second set, which helped them secure a 25-21 set victory.

Going into the fourth set down 2-1 for the game, the Cougars knew they would need an almighty effort to stay alive. The Heat knew this was coming though and shifted into another gear, opening up with three consecutive points. The Cougars scored most often on soft tips to go along with their already strong blocks and hard kills. It wasn’t enough though, as after they tied the game at 18, the Heat proceeded to execute a 7-0 scoring run that ended the set 25-18 and the game 3-1.

Cougar of the Game honours went to Emma Boyd, whose ten kills and 14 errorless serves over the course of the game kept her squad competitive.

The next Mount Royal University Cougars women’s volleyball game takes place on Kenyon Court again next week, as they take on the University of Alberta Pandas at 8 p.m. on Friday, November 3.