SASKATOON, SK – The Saskatchewan Huskies and Regina Cougars returned to Ron & Jane Graham Centre Court at the Physical Activity Complex on Saturday afternoon for game two of the volleyball edition of the U-Prairie Challenge presented by SaskMilk. The Huskies would sweep the Cougars in straight sets to take game one, giving them a 1-0 lead in the challenge. On Saturday, the Huskies would take game two to win the U-Prairie Challenge Cup.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
The Cougars came hungry into set one after being swept in three straight the previous night. Despite big swings from Huskies’ Keely Anderson and Olivia Mattern, the Cougars stayed hot on the Huskies trail. The two teams would go almost point for point, finding themselves tied at 24. The Huskies would give a final push and secure the set 26-24.
Regina would find themselves leading the Huskies 8-4 early in the set before the Huskies would find their stride. Strategic tips placed by Olivia Mattern and big blocks from Julia Howell Bourner would bring the Huskies to tie the set at 11. The Huskies would lead from there, with Regina just a little behind, and eventually close out the set 25-22.
The beginning of set three would follow a similar theme, with the two teams keeping close in score. The Huskies would be the first to 20 with a massive back-row attack from Devyn Ethier to end an exhilarating rally. The Huskies would finish off the Cougars by taking set three, 25-19.
THE STATS
Saskatchewan’s Devyn Ethier led the match in kills with 9 on 16 attempts and only one swinging error.
Devyn Grimsrud would lead the Cougars in kills with 7 on 15 attempts.
Regina’s Cassidi Klapak led in digs, getting 11 balls off the husky’s powerful swings.
THE RANKINGS
Heading into the weekend, the Huskies held a record of 5-11 and the Cougars, 1-15. The weekend wins improve the Huskies’ record to 7-11, shifting the Cougars’ record to 1-17.
THE EXTRAS
The U Prairie Challenge, presented by SaskMilk, celebrates varsity sports in Saskatchewan. This annual points-based competition between the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan involves 11 different men’s and women’s events, including soccer, football, hockey, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and cross country.
THE NEXT ONE
The women’s volleyball team will have a weekend off before returning to the court on February 2nd and 3rd in Calgary to take on the University of Calgary Dinos. The game will be available on CanadaWest. TV for fans to catch the road action live.
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