SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan Huskies dropped their 2025–26 season opener in straight sets (25–22, 25–16, 25–17) to the visiting Alberta Pandas on Friday night (Oct. 17) at Ron and Jane Graham Centre Court in the Physical Activity Complex.
The Huskies faced a tough test to open the season, drawing the No. 1-ranked Pandas, who topped the 2025–26 Canada West Coaches Poll. Saskatchewan, however, entered the campaign with recognition of their own, checking in at No. 7 in the same rankings.
Alberta lived up to their top billing, showcasing a balanced and efficient offensive attack paired with stifling defence. Over three sets, the Pandas racked up 38 kills on a .344 hitting percentage while holding the Huskies to 33 kills at a .107 efficiency, capitalizing on 22 Saskatchewan errors.
Despite the straight-sets result, the Huskies came out strong in the opening frame, going toe-to-toe with the visitors. Saskatchewan actually outkilled Alberta 14–9 in the first set but was hampered by 11 attack errors, which proved costly. Trailing 24–19, the Huskies mounted a late push with three straight points—including a
Taryn Hannah kill and an
Abbey Klein service ace—to close the gap. But Alberta's Laila Johnston slammed the door with a kill to take the set 25–22. Johnston finished as the Pandas' leading attacker with 11 kills on a .429 hitting percentage.
The Pandas carried that momentum into the second set, where they dominated offensively. Alberta posted 17 kills and a blistering .484 hitting percentage, compared to Saskatchewan's 10 kills on .259 efficiency. Still, the Huskies continued to compete, led by veterans Hannah,
Keely Anderson, and Klein, who shouldered the offensive load. The trio combined for 27 of the team's 33 kills, with Hannah—last season's top hitter—leading all players with 14. Despite their efforts, the Huskies dropped the second set 25–16.
Looking to extend the match, Saskatchewan came out battling in the third and held the Pandas even at 10–10 early. But the Huskies' attack errors again proved costly, as Alberta capitalized on five miscues to fuel a 10–4 run that gave them a 20–14 advantage. From there, the Pandas closed the door, taking the final set 25–17 and securing the match victory.
The Huskies will look to regroup quickly as they seek revenge in a rematch against the Pandas on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 18) at the PAC. First serve is scheduled for 4:30 PM.
