SASKATOON, SK – The No. 8 nationally ranked Huskies played their first home game of 2023 Friday night against the No. 2 Spartans – the match that was named U Sports Men's Volleyball Game of the Week. The events that transpired proved to delight volleyball fans as both teams powered through to close a dramatic five set game in favour of Saskatchewan (25-14, 23-25, 25-17, 16-14).
 
The Huskies came out swinging in the opening frame with an unmatched underdog confidence. The first set was all Sask with fan favourite Levi Olson grabbing three aces in a row early, sparking the momentum. The Spartans powered through some errors but ultimately came up short – the first set finished 25-14 in favour of the Huskies. 
 
The Spartans start strong in the second set, taking the lead quickly and holding on to it. Saskatchewan would not let up and went back and forth with the Spartans. The set closed after a series of Huskie errors paired with subsequent Spartan kills across the board. 

Saskatchewan followed closely behind through the third set as well until a big block by TWU's John Obi that shifted the momentum in favour of the Spartans. Various substitutes accompanied by a flurry of attack errors by the Huskies handed the Spartans what they needed to take a 16-10 lead. TWU asserted some dominance – outscoring the Huskies 15-8 and closed the set 25-18. 
 
Saskatchewan would dominate the start of the fourth set likely knowing this set would make or break the match. The set would carry on in favour of the Huskies, with first-year Isaiah Mamer coming off the bench to make a statement. Mamer came up clutch with a pair of kills that gave the Huskies a 5-point lead. The Dogs determination would overwhelm the Spartans, as they would win the set 25-17 to force a fifth set. 
 
The fifth set had fans on the edge of their seat with the Spartans coming from behind early in the set to keep the score within reach. The match closed with a textbook service ace by the Huskie out of Swift Current, Dylan Mortensen – the Spartans ultimately fell 14-16 and the Huskies took the match 3-2. 
 
Henry Rempel, lead the Spartans in kills (23). Rempel wasn't alone as his teammate, Anselm Rein, racked up 42 assists and 2 aces. 
 
The fifth year outside hitter duo, Levi Olson and Dylan Mortensen put on a show for the Huskies tonight. Mortensen's name filled up the score sheet as he managed 16 kills, 2 aces, 3 blocks and 8 digs. Olson held his own and led the team in aces (4) while adding 15 kills, 5 digs and 2 assists. 
 
The Huskies will look to build on tonight's win in game two of the series on Saturday afternoon at the PAC. Tickets are available at huskietickets.com.