CALGARY – The University of Calgary Dinos women's volleyball squad will look to continue moving in the right direction as they take on the Mount Royal Cougars in Crowchild Classic action. The crosstown clash takes place 11 a.m. Thursday and 6 p.m. Friday in the Jack Simpson Gym. 

SCHOOL DAY SPIRIT
The Dinos will welcome several hundred grade school students for the annual School Day matinee match Thursday morning.

PEXMAN RETURNS
Last weekend Kate Pexman made her return to the Jack Simpson Gym, playing her first game at home since having her 2018-19 season cut short due to injury. The fifth-year Dino has registered 17 digs in four games since rejoining the team in 2020.

UP TO THE CHALLENGE 
The Cougars present an exciting challenge for the Dinos squad this week, as Mount Royal has yet to be swept by any team in Canada West conference, maintaining only three losses so far this season. Although the Dinos and the Cougars are similarly matched with a strong senior core and dynamic blocking frontline, the Dinos will have to rely on the home crowd energy and focus on consistent serve-pass game to cultivate a win. 

SCOUTING REPORT
vs MOUNT ROYAL COUGARS
Game Info Thursday, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m. and Friday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. - Jack Simpson Gym
Record 13-3, 2nd in Canada West
Player to Watch Second-year middle blocker Dholi Thokbuom was named to both the U SPORTS and Canada West all-rookie team last season 

NOTES

• Outside hitter Chantel Park is first in the conference for total service aces and aces per set, 44 and 0.79 respectively 
• Middle Tasha Holness has gained professional experience in Austria, Spain, Germany, France, Romania, Baku and Indonesia
• The Cougars are coming off a weekend split with the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack
• Dholi Thokbuom is secibd in Canada West in blocks per set (1.22) and 3rd in hitting percentage (.347)
• The Mount Royal Cougars were ranked third in the Canada West preseason coaches' poll 

UP NEXT
The Dinos head north next week for a two-game matchup to take on provincial rivals, the Alberta Pandas, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday night at the Saville Community Sports Centre.