SASKATOON, SK – The Saskatchewan Huskies opened the day looking to make it two straight against the visiting Trinity Western Spartans.
The Huskies settled for a weekend split against the U SPORTS top ranked team after falling 3-0 (14-25, 12-25, 16-25) on Saturday afternoon.
The first set started with TWU looking to make up for Friday night’s upset. The Spartans took five of the first six points before the Huskies bench boss Mark Dodds called a timeout to try and stop the run. Trinity Western would not be fazed, taking four of the next five points to go up 9-2. Saskatchewan was able to fight back, getting it to 13-10 before TWU would go on another run of four straight points before a Huskies timeout. The Spartans would not skip a beat, taking eight of the next twelve points and winning the first set 25-14.
The Huskies came out fighting to start the second set, keeping it to within three at 10-7 through the first 17 points. Again, TWU would begin to pull away, going up 17-10 and forcing another Huskies timeout. The Spartans would not be stopped, scoring seven straight points with Mikayla Benterud at the service line, cruising to a 25-12 set win.
The third set saw the Huskies start strong with a 3-1 lead, as Saskatchewan looked to take the must win set. Both teams would go back and forth, staying tied until 11-11. TWU would find a groove taking seven of the next ten points. With the lead at 17-1, the Spartans would go on a run with Meagan Mealey at the line, taking seven straight points to put it out of reach for the Huskies. Saskatchewan would fall 25-16 in the final set.
The veteran Olivia Mattern had seven kills and 10 digs to lead the Huskies in both categories. Ansah Odoom, Maryn Boldon and Kaylee Plouffe all had solid games for the Spartans with 14, 12 and 10 kills respectively. Dora Komlodi had 43 assists on the afternoon caping a strong game for the Spartans.
The Huskies have two important matchups in their playoff hunt next weekend as they take on the University of Manitoba Bisons at home. Friday’s contest will go at 6:00 PM while the Saturday matchup will go at 3:00 PM. Tickets can be found at huskietickets.com.
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