WVB: Cougars fall to Cascades in home opener

Box Score Calgary, ALTA — The Mount Royal Cougars women’s volleyball team faced a tough home opener, falling to the Fraser Valley Cascades in straight sets (25-19, 25-22, 25-22). Despite flashes of strong play, the Cougars were unable to match the Cascades’ consistent attack and balanced defense, leading to a 3-0 sweep.

Fraser Valley took charge early in the first set, with Mo Likness and Lauren Attieh establishing a powerful offensive rhythm. Attieh finished the match with an impressive 10 kills and a .310 hitting percentage, while Likness hit .500 with 5 kills and 2 blocks. Mount Royal countered with aggressive play from middles Emma Boyd and Mya Morgan, who worked to contain the Cascades’ offense. Boyd led the Cougars with 10 kills on the day and added two service aces, while Morgan contributed four kills and three blocks. Although the Cougars managed to keep the score close at times, Fraser Valley’s consistency in both serving and defense allowed them to maintain control, closing out the first set 25-19.

In the second set, the Cougars put up a more cohesive front, with setter Lexi Herrod finding key connections with her attackers, including Bronwynn Davies-Neira and Grace Coulter. Herrod recorded 21 assists, helping Mount Royal keep pace with Fraser Valley’s fast offense. Davies-Neira delivered five kills and led the team in digs with 11, adding depth to the Cougars’ back row defense. A notable rally saw Mount Royal cut Fraser Valley’s lead to just one point late in the set, but the Cougars were undone by Fraser Valley’s precise serving, including a timely ace from Zoe Arca. The Cascades took advantage of Mount Royal’s service errors, winning the set 25-22 despite the Cougars’ best efforts.

The third set saw an energized Mount Royal determined to stay in the match. Boyd and Jones each scored on critical kills, and Herrod’s well-timed service ace added to the momentum. Mount Royal’s defense, led by libero Paige Davidson’s steady reception, put up a strong front, and Davies-Neira’s defensive presence provided some stability as well. Fraser Valley, however, continued to push back, with Talia Attieh adding critical kills and Fisher’s effective setting guiding their offense smoothly. The Cougars briefly took a lead midway through the set, but Fraser Valley’s combined defensive and offensive efforts pulled them back into the game. A late service ace by Megan Jones kept Mount Royal’s hopes alive, but a kill by Likness closed the set and match for Fraser Valley at 25-22.

Overall, Fraser Valley’s efficiency in both hitting and blocking was the key factor in their victory, with a .165 team hitting percentage compared to Mount Royal’s .113. Mount Royal struggled with consistency, committing 15 service errors throughout the match, which limited their ability to build momentum. Fraser Valley’s blocking, with six solo blocks, disrupted Mount Royal’s rhythm, while the Cougars’ 11 blocking assists helped them stay competitive at the net.

Despite the result, the Cougars showed moments of promise, particularly with standout performances from Boyd and Herrod. As they adjust to the season’s pace, Mount Royal will look to tighten their serve and reduce errors, preparing for their rematch tomorrow at 5 PM MT.