HUSKIES PUSH FOR PLAYOFFS AGAINST BRANDON2013-01-23
Looking to push toward securing a date in the Canada West postseason for the first time since 2006-07, the Huskies will have their work cutout for them against the Brandon Bobcats.
The Huskies host the Brandon University Bobcats Friday and Saturday.
Another battle of the top 10 teams in the conference, the No. 8 Huskies and No. 6 Bobcats both enter the weekend with 10-6 records and six matches remaining in the regular season schedule.
Last weekend, Brandon dropped two matches to the first-place Alberta Golden Bears, while Huskies split with the Winnipeg Wesmen. The loss snapped a seven match-winning streak for Saskatchewan.
Fourth-year outside hitter Bryan Fraser continues to have a career season tallying 188 kills and 116 digs. Fellow outside hitter Paul Thomson, who led the Huskies against Winnipeg, is also having a strong offensive season with 154 kills, 79 digs and 15 blocks. Also joining in for the Huskies attack has been middle blocker Braden McLean with 96 kills and 57 blocks. As a team, the Huskies are second in the Canada West in hitting percentage at .246.
Brandon, who has won just one of their last five matches, is led by Sam Tuivai, Roy Ching and Dan Boutwell on offence. Tuivai leads the team with 262 kills and 30 blocks. Ching adds another 135 and 40 blocks, while Boutwell has 119 kills and a team-high 58 blocks.
Since 2006, the Huskies are 6-6 against Brandon in Canada West action.
Match time is 8 p.m. each night. Friday's match will be webcast at www.canadawest.tv.
