CALGARY – Fresh off their first weekend sweep of the season, the University of Calgary Dinos women's volleyball team is gearing up for the home crowd energy at the 2019 Block Party against the Trinity Western Spartans. First serve is at 6 p.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. Friday at the Jack Simpson Gym. 

DINOS CLINCH THE W
The Dinos women captured their first conference victory against the Regina Cougars last weekend (3-1, 3-0) thanks to an offensive domination from Beth Vinnell and Adriel Goodman. The Spartans split their last weekend at home against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, coming away with their first loss of the season (1-3, 3-0). 

ONE-WAY TICKET TO BLOCK CITY 
Middle blocker Autumn Davidson is well-prepared to get this block party going as her defensive efforts continue to be a force to be reckoned with this season. With a total of 13 blocks last weekend, Davidson earned a spot among the conference's elite defensive players, securing the No. 2 spot in Canada West in blocks per set (1.23). Davidson's 37th block of the season concluded Saturday's match and was featured on Dinos Plays of the Week. 

COACH'S TAKE
"As we prepare for Trinity this week, we are focused on tactical adjustments that will give us success against their attackers and block. As always, we are committed to the process, staying focused on one point at a time rather than the outcome of the match. We will be confident in what we bring to the table to compete against Trinity." - Head Coach Natalie Gurnsey.

SCOUTING REPORT
vs TRINITY WESTERN SPARTANS
Match Info Thursday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. - Jack Simpson Gym
Record 9-1, 2nd in Canada West
Player to Watch Fourth-year Team Canada member Hilary Howe is ranked No. 2 in both kills per set and kills in the league, at 4.30 and 142 respectively. 

NOTES

• The two teams squared off in non-conference competition in the fall, with the Spartans winning a tight four-setter at the Dino Cup
• The defending CW champion Spartans are favoured for another championship season, as they grabbed the No. 1 spot in the Canada West pre-season poll 
• The Dinos secured their last win against the Spartans in 2018 at home 
• Middle blocker Avery Heppell is ranked No. 3 in Canada West for a .353 hitting percentage 

UP NEXT 
The Dinos women's volleyball squad will ring in the New Year on Jan. 3-4 in Winnipeg against the University of Manitoba Bisons.

-UC-