HUSKIES SEARCH FOR HOME PLAYOFFS2013-02-06
In control of their own destiny, the University of Saskatchewan Huskie men’s volleyball team will look to secure a home playoff date against a tough Top 10 opponent.
The Huskies host the University of Manitoba Bisons Friday and Saturday at the PAC.
Already knowing they will make an appearance in the playoffs for the first time since 2006-07, the No. 6 ranked Huskies (14-6) need at least one win against the No. 3 Bisons (13-7) to have any hope of hosting a Canada West volleyball quarter-final. It would be the first time the Huskies have hosted since 2004-05 when Saskatchewan hosted the Canada West Final Four.
Entering the final weekend in the regular season, the Huskies, who have won 11 of their last 12 matches, sit in third place with 28 points. Manitoba is in fourth with 26 points. Depending on the outcomes across Canada West men’s volleyball this weekend including their own series, Saskatchewan or Manitoba could finish as a high as second place or as low as fifth.
In 2012-13 Canada West volleyball, seven teams are granted life in the playoffs. The top team receives a bye through quarter-finals and home court in the Canada West Final Four against the winners of the quarter-finals.
Fourth-year outside hitter Bryan Fraser continues to have a career season tallying 249 kills and 147 digs. He led the Huskies to a sweep of the Regina Cougars last weekend with 38 kills in the series. Fellow outside hitter Paul Thomson is also having a strong offensive season with 207 kills, 98 digs and 23 blocks. Also joining in for the Huskies attack has been middle blocker Braden McLean with 121 kills and 67 blocks.
Manitoba, who is the only team to beat the first place Alberta Golden Bears in 2012-13, balances their attack between Dane Pischke and Evan Jackson. Pischke leads the team with 271 kills, while Jackson adds another 209. The two are also strong on defence with 174 and 147 digs respectively. Joseph Brooks has a presence in the middle with 103 blocks on the season.
Since 1996, the Huskies are 17-24 against Manitoba in Canada West action.
Match time for the women is set for 6:15 p.m., while the men will play
at 8 p.m. All four matches will be webcast at www.canadawest.tv.
