WVB: Semi-final sweep sends Cougars to championship

WVB: Semi-final sweep sends Cougars to championship

3/4/2023 7:08:48 PM

Ellery Platts

CALGARY – It was a semi-final sweep for Mount Royal after taking down the Manitoba Bisons in back-to-back games this weekend, tonight finishing the match in three straight sets; 25-20, 25-22, 25-22. 

“I’m just super proud of this group,” said MRU head coach Shane Smith. “We wanted to do this all year. The girls put their heads down and got the job done. We are excited to keep playing.”

After a four set loss last night, Manitoba took the floor with a new motivation and new energy. The Bison women came out firing, taking the lead from the first point of the game and holding off an aggressive Cougars offence. 

Mount Royal battled back by the midpoint of the opening set, finally taking the lead with a long attack coming from Manitoba’s side.

Quinn Pelland was the leader and commander Mount Royal needed tonight, recording nine digs, 36 assists, four aces and two kills. She truly demonstrates what it means to be a two-way player. 

“Every year we build culture and community. We love each other on and of the court,” said Pelland, MRU’s player of the game. “Every girl brings something different There is always something to bring to the team.”

Raya Sunrix was the driving force behind the Bison’s tonight, with her main competition coming from Mount Royal’s Haley Roe. The two went back and forth, exchanging kills. 

Roe hit down an incredible c-ball to take the set in favour of the home team, with a 25-20 win over U of M and giving them the advantage going into the remainder of the game. 

The second set was almost deja vu with the first, the Bison’s taking a strong lead before Mount Royal was able to close the gap and overtake the momentum. 

Manitoba turned their focus to shutting down Roe’s right side attack, but Nyadholi Thokbuom saw the opportunity to fill the gap. Thokbuom put down eight kills in the set and pushed the Cougars into a promising position.

The Bison’s held off Mount Royal, holding them at 24 while going on a three point run themselves, bringing them within two. It all ended when Roe threw down the final point for the second set in a row, hammering the attack off the Bison block and out of bounds. 

The third set could have gone either way, with both squads going on miniature runs and not finding a clean route of attack. 

Ella Gray was the commanding presence for Manitoba, consistently finding a way to break through the arms of Roe, Thokbuom, Emma Boyd and Faye Murray with her c-ball attack. 

“I think we came more prepared and more ready with what they had to bring, but we fell short,” said Gray, Manitoba’s player of the game. She continued to say she is excited for next weekend’s bronze medal match-up against their cross-town rivals, the Winnipeg Wesman. 

Andi Almonte was all over the floor, keeping the Bisons alive and competitive in this semi-final match-up. Her efforts paired with Sunrinx and Gray single-handedly kept their team fighting throughout the weeknd. 

“I thought we played much better tonight. Only a few points separated each set, so the margin was pretty slim. I was just really proud of how they played tonight and came back, fought really hard,” said Manitoba head coach Ken Bentley. “Obviously I don’t like losing three to zero but every set was winnable for us.”

With tonight’s win, the Cougars not only clinched a championship spot next weekend, but have also claimed a spot in the National Championship in Vancouver, hosted by the University of British Columbia.

Mount Royal heads to Trinity Western University next weekend where they will compete for a Canada West Championship banner. 

“Coming in with confidence. Enjoying every moment with our team and not the outcome,” said Pelland on the upcoming match. “Recognizing TWU is a great team. There’s a reason theyre always [in the CW finals] but we’re there too.”

Watch the games live on Canada West TV.