Youth continue to shine for WolfPack at Dino Cup

KAMLOOPS – The Thompson Rivers WolfPack men’s volleyball team continued their preseason campaign this past weekend, heading to Calgary to take on a trio of teams at the annual Dino Cup.
 
While TRU didn’t register a win in the exhibition contests, the team continued to improve as they build towards their first games of the Canada West campaign on October 20-21.
 
GAME 1: Calgary 3, TRU 2 (25-20, 25-18, 15-25, 24-26, 12-15)
 
TRU jumped out to the two-set lead early against the host Dinos, thanks in large part to the strong play of Sam Flowerday, before Calgary came storming back to take the win.

After Calgary claimed the third set they took an early lead in the fourth before rookie setter Walker Sodaro entered the game and led a comeback that came up just shy.
 
“The fifth was a close battle,” said WolfPack head coach Pat Hennelly. “I was happy with the effort after a long bus ride with 12 players getting on the court. Riley Brinnen was solid in the middle with five kills and five blocks.”
 
GAME 2: Winnipeg 3, TRU 1 (25-22, 21-25, 18-25, 22-25)
 
It was a strong start to the game for TRU against Winnipeg as they took the first set 25-22. After that opening set it was all Wesmen however as they won the next three en route to the victory.
 
“Another solid start but unforced errors and service pressure from Winnipeg made the difference in the next three sets,” said Hennelly.
 
Sam Flowerday led the way offensively with 12 kills, two blocks and two aces for 16 points. Mason Sodaro was solid in the libero position with eight digs.
 
GAME 3: Alberta 3, TRU 1 (20-25, 22-25, 25-23, 21-25)
 
The ‘Pack took the third set but fell in four to the Golden Bears in their final match of the weekend.
 
Ethan Olfert has 20 assists, two blocks and three kills while Mason Sodaro had eight kills and one block along with five digs.
 
“We played great at times but struggled with reception,” said Hennelly.
 
Next up for TRU is another weekend on the road. They are set to travel to the Lower Mainland next weekend for games against the UBC Thunderbirds and Trinity Western Spartans.