SASKATOON – Despite jumping out to an early lead the University of Saskatchewan Huskies were unable to upset the No. 6 ranked Alberta Pandas, falling 3-1 (23-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16) on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pandas racked up 56 kills in the match while also recording 12 blocks as a team.
 
With just one weekend left to go in the Canada West conference, the result clarifies the postseason picture.
 
Picking up their seventh win in a row, Alberta now sits fourth in the conference with a record of 16-6. The Pandas hold the chance to host a playoff series in their own hands, holding a one-game advantage on the MacEwan Griffins.
 
For Saskatchewan the loss drops them to 12-10 on the year. With a pair of games against the 3-18 Manitoba Bisons left to go, Saskatchewan will be looking to fend off the 11-10 UBC Thunderbirds for sixth place in the conference.
 
Kory White was again dominant for the Pandas finishing with 22 kills and making some program history in the process. The fourth-year outside hitter broke her own Panda record with 381 kills on the year. Julia Zonneveld added a further 16 while Vanessa Jarman finished on 10. Elyse Hart had a strong outing, putting up 46 assists.
 
Emily Koshinsky led Saskatchewan with 16 kills while Mandi Fraser added 11 kills and a pair of solo blocks.
 
Playing in the final home game of their Huskie careers, Taylor Annala and Brooke Listwin were honoured post-game. The pair of Saskatchewan products have helped the Huskies clinch a playoff spot for the first time in 18 years this season.
 
The Huskies will hit the road to wrap up their regular season next weekend against the Manitoba Bisons in Winnipeg. Alberta meanwhile will host the Regina Cougars in a pair of games in Edmonton.

All of that action can be watched live on Canada West TV presented by Co-op.