WVB: Morgan, McKillican shine as MRU sweeps Regina

CALGARY, AB – The Cougars in blue reign superior to the Cougars in green.

The Mount Royal University Cougars women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Regina Cougars 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-15) Saturday at Kenyon Court.

Prior to the match, three graduating athletes were recognized for their illustrious U SPORTS careers. Regina’s Dryden Gris was given a nod while MRU’s Sarah McKillican and Jessica Osczevski were honoured for their memorable tenures with the Cougars.

Osczevski missed her second straight game for Mount Royal due to illness and unfortunately, was unable to be in attendance for the senior presentation. Nevertheless, Osczevski’s dedication and passion for the game have not gone unnoticed while she left it all out on the court for the Cougars.

Mya Morgan broke out for an impressive performance in the opening set. Morgan found a rhythm on offence and setter Lexi Herrod did not hesitate to feed her the ball down the middle. Morgan had an incredible seven kills in the opening set.

Mount Royal pushed to come within a few points of clinching the first set. Regina was able to sync up to get a string of well-executed offence. Bailey Balaberda found the precise spots to register kills for herself and points on the board for Regina.

MRU regrouped to take the first set, capped off by a set-point ace from Lexi Herrod.

Unforced errors plagued Mount Royal in the second set and the two teams went point-for-point.

Aurora Bentrim and Fiona Brown entered the game for Mount Royal and gave the home team a much-needed spark. Bentrim served a crucial ace while Brown, a digging specialist, played a significant role in MRU’s excellent passing game.

Regina faltered after MRU’s resurgence, going down 2-0 in the game.

Looking to call it a night early, Mount Royal kept cruising in the third and final set. Sarah McKillican played exceptionally well in her final game at Kenyon Court and was named player of the game for her squad.

MRU wrapped the match by defeating Regina by 10 points in the final set.

The 8-14 MRU Cougars enter their final weekend of the regular season with a slim chance of making the playoffs and will need their finest when they visit the Thompson Rivers University Wolfpack next weekend.