CALGARY – It was a strong defensive night for Mount Royal in a 3-0 sweep of the University of Calgary Dinos Friday night from Kenyon Court.

The Cougars finished the night with a 6-1 advantage in blocks and committed just eight errors in the three-set win, 25-16, 25-19, 25-18.

MRU moves to 8-9 with the win, while the Dinos drop to 6-11.

Mount Royal came out firing in the first set, quickly building an 11-4 lead thanks to sharp serving and aggressive net play from Kale Orr and Cody Hudson. Cam Hutt tried to rally the Dinos with a few key kills, but the Cougars stayed composed, extending their advantage to eight at 18-10 and forcing a Calgary timeout. Setter Grant Hill and middle Isaac Karstad made timely contributions at the net with kills and blocks, helping MRU maintain control.The Cougars continued their consistent pressure through the final points, closing out the set 25-16 and seizing an early edge in the match.

The second set saw the Dinos respond early, as outside hitter Cole Czepuryk and middle Marshall Qualley helped Calgary jump out to a 3-0 lead. The Cougars answered with intensity, with Orr delivering two powerful kills to narrow the gap to 8-7. 

Kai Toney later tied the game, energizing the home crowd. Jackson Vandersteen kept the Dinos within striking distance at 15-14, but MRU's defensive consistency, paired with timely offensive swings from Hudson and Hill, helped flip the momentum late. The Cougars steadily pulled away down the stretch, applying pressure at the net and minimizing errors, ultimately claiming the set 25-19 to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.

Orr continued his strong play into the third set, powering the Cougars to an early 7-3 advantage. Toney added key swings at the net, helping MRU extend their lead to 12-6 and forcing the Dinos to call an early timeout. Calgary's Sam Kay tried to spark a comeback, helping the Dinos cut the deficit to three points midway through the set, but the Cougars' depth and momentum proved too much. 

The two teams are right back at it Saturday at 5 p.m. 

-UC-