CALGARY – Taking the first two sets handily, the University of Calgary Dinos nearly gave in to an inspired Trinity Western Spartans comeback effort, but orchestrated their own comeback in the most dramatic of fashions. 

BOX SCORE

Calgary came out firing in the first set, taking it by a score of 25-14 on 0.348 attack percentage compared to a sub-zero rate by their opponents. Pouring it on in the second set, the Dinos jumped out to an 11-1 lead before the Spartans were able to kick it into gear and make it a respectable 25-18 finish.

However the momentum shifted substantially in the third, as the Dinos suddenly couldn't muster an attack. Notching only five kills on 28 attempts, the Dinos watched as the Spartans gained confidence and the third set victory by a score of 25-19. In what many thought was destined to be a five-set match, the Dinos were faced with the unenviable task of digging deep and attempting to stop an enthused Spartan awakening.

Down 17-11 in the fourth set and with the momentum clearly on the side of the Spartans, the Dinos showed why they are the number one ranked team in the country as they chipped away with their defence. The signature moment for the Dinos came while down 22-19, where after a tremendous rally Curtis James was able to put the kill away, rolling the shot down the net and just in-bounds to make it 22-20 and forcing the Spartans into their second time-out.

The timeout was to no avail however, as the Dinos finished the set off with an impressive 6-1 run to take the fourth set and the match.

The Dinos were led by outside hitter Curtis James, who notched 15 kills and seven digs, while fifth year Omar Langford had 10 kills in only two sets. Setter Ciaran McGovern had a game-high 35 assists to go along with ten assists.

Head coach Rod Durrant was very pleased with how his team responded with their backs against the wall.

“I thought we came out really strong in the first two sets, but then looked pretty out of sorts in the third set,” said the coach. “Being down 17-11 there in the fourth wasn't easy but we knew what we had to do – stick to the plan and chip away.”

“We got really determined efforts from guys like Pierre Rocque, Pat Lenaour and Don MacNeill in that fourth set, and our ability as a team to turn some key defensive plays at the end really swung it for us,” continued Durrant.

The Spartans got 12 and 11 kills from Marc Howatson and Mikiah Schalk respectively in the tough loss, and received seven blocks from Josh Doornenbal on the defensive side.

Durrant knows that they got away just in time against the resilient Spartans.

“We have a lot of respect for Trinity, they're a good team and they're a tough team. It's going to be another tough one tomorrow,” said the coach.

The Dinos and Spartans hook up again on Saturday, where they will play at the conclusion of the women's match to end the fall semester.

-UC-