EDMONTON — The MacEwan Griffins entered uncharted waters for the first time this season and showed they're not just going to sink easily under the pressure.

After winning just two sets so far this year, MacEwan battled their hearts out, but dropped a five-set marathon (25-23, 15-25, 25-19, 25-27, 15-12) to the Calgary Dinos on Friday night at the David Atkinson Gymnasium.

Kenzie Vaandeering led the Dinos with 16 kills, as the Dinos improved to 3-8, while MacEwan fell to 0-11.

It was the first time all year MacEwan played five full sets.

After the two teams split the opening sets, Calgary showed great poise in the third- jumping out to an early lead and cruising to the win.

Calgary nearly finished things off in four after an incredible comeback. Down 20-13, the Dinos roared back and took a 24-23 lead, but couldn't quite put the finishing touches on things as the Griffins were able to find a way for the win in extras, 27-25.

Calgary jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the final set, and led the entire way.

MacEwan continued to show fight, cutting the Dinos lead to 5-3, and later a big kill from Rachel Perry cut their lead to 11-9. But, a 4-0 run late in the set sealed the win for Calgary.

The teams will meet again on Saturday (5 p.m., David Atkinson Gym, Canada West TV presented by Co-op).