HUSKIES BATTLE TOP 10 OPPONENT2012-01-09

Another battle of top 10 volleyball teams in the Canada West, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and Thompson Rivers WolfPack will both look to continue to stay in the playoff race.

The Huskies host the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Friday and Saturday at the PAC.
 
The No. 8 ranked Huskies (7-5) enter the weekend on a six match winning streak including two exhibition wins over Japan’s Budo in December. The Huskies are tied for fifth in the conference standings.
 
Thompson Rivers sits on the Huskies heels in eighth at 5-7. The No. 9 WolfPack have won just two of their last eight matches.
 
Fourth-year outside hitter Bryan Fraser is having a career season tallying 145 kills and 89 digs. Fellow outside hitter Paul Thomson is also having a strong offensive season with 115 kills, 67 digs and 14 blocks.  Also joining in for the Huskies attack has been middle blocker Braden McLean with 65 kills and 44 blocks. Setter Chris Gilbert has accumulated 457 assists, while libero and captain Jeff Grant has 104 digs.
 
The bulk of Thompson Rivers’ attack comes from Brad Gunter with 129 kills, 22 blocks and 88 digs. Mohamed Rehim has added another 64 successful attacks, followed by Jesse Bazergui with 59. As a team the WolfPack are strong defensively with 506 digs.

Since 2005-06, the Huskies are 3-7 against Thompson Rivers in Canada West action.
 
Match time is at 8 p.m. Both matches will be webcast at www.canadawest.tv.