CALGARY –  The University of Saskatchewan Huskies rode the wave of momentum into Saturday evening in the Jack Simpson Gym, sweeping the University of Calgary Dinos in a three-set victory (25-18, 25-18, 25-16). 

Second-year setter Averie Allard and veteran Emily Koshinsky led the charge for the Huskies as Koshinsky surpassed all attackers with 10 kills, and Allard pushed the pace with a game-high 26 assists. On the Dinos end, Beth Vinnell racked up the points for her team with seven kills mirrored by seven blocks.  

The Huskies took control from the get-go, taking their 25-18 first-set win with the help of libero Shae Beaulieu – her relentless hustle earning her a game-high thirteen digs. In the second set, the Dinos women chipped away at their early deficit, getting within a three-point margin of the Huskies, but struggles on the defensive end dug them in too deep. The Huskies held Calgary to a .429 hitting percentage in the third set as Mandi Fraser clinched the 25-16 win for the Huskies with a kill out of the middle.

Despite the results, there were many moments of brilliance from the Dinos squad. Reigning conference all-star Beth Vinnell scored a kill almost every time she touched the ball in the first set, grabbing four kills and three blocks in the first twenty-five points of the game. Second-year Marina Culo shone along the net, finding her rhythm in the slide attack with six kills and two blocks. 

Calgary Head Coach Natalie Gurnsey remained positive after the setback.

"Every weekend is a brand-new start, a new opponent that will challenge us to prepare in different ways and make different adjustments. Each day when we step on the court our goal is to get one per cent better, each individual must be putting in the work in any way they can. Now we're back to practice and will focus on getting better every day." 

The Huskies (2-0) head home to welcome the defending national champion UBC Thunderbirds to the PAC next weekend.

The Dinos (0-2) are on the road next weekend, set to meet the Thompson Rivers WolfPack for a two-match battle in Kamloops. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT next Friday at the Tournament Capital Centre. 

-UC-