CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos dug a hole, fought back, but ultimately fell in a five-setter to the Mount Royal University Cougars Saturday night at Kenyon Court (15-25, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 5-15).

The loss drops the Dinos' record to 17-5 with just two games to play in the regular season, while the victory improves Mount Royal's record to 10-12 and keeps them alive in the playoff race in Canada West.

It wasn't a great start for the Dinos, who committed 10 errors in the opening set and hit just over five per cent in the frame, falling 25-15. The second set saw the Dinos blow a 17-11 lead, eventually falling 26-24, sending them into do-or-die territory.

Calgary responded in the third to edge the Cougars 25-22 and send the match to a fourth. That frame was Calgary's best of the night, picking up 18 kills en route to a 25-18 victory.

The wheels fell off in the fifth, however, as MRU jumped out to an 11-1 lead and cruised to the 15-5 victory.

Kate Pexman led the way for the Dinos once again with 16 kills on the night, with Beth Vinnell's 13 kills and .286 percentage the most efficient evening for Calgary. Kenzie Vaandering added 12 kills as well.

Calgary will host the UBC Thunderbirds to close out the regular season, while MRU visits Saskatchewan. The Dinos and Thunderbirds will face off in a pair of matinees in the Jack Simpson Gym, beginning Friday with a 12:30 p.m. start for the Block Party followed by a noon first serve Saturday. Head Coach Natalie Gurnsey will recognize graduating senior Leah Shevkenek.

-UC-