SASKATOON, Sask. – With playoff positioning hanging in the balance and the regular season winding down, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies women's volleyball team delivered a statement performance Friday (Jan. 30) night, rallying after a slow start to defeat the University of the Fraser Valley Cascades 3–1 at the Physical Activity Complex.
The win lifts Saskatchewan to 10-7 on the season and keeps the Huskies firmly in control of sixth place in the Canada West standings, a critical spot that carries a direct path to the quarterfinals.
After UFV took the opening set, Saskatchewan answered with its most important stretch of the night in a gritty second frame. The Huskies fought off multiple set points before grinding out a 28-26 win, swinging momentum and igniting the home crowd. From there, Saskatchewan settled in and dictated play, taking sets three and four with confidence.
Taryn Hannah led the way offensively, recording a match-high 17 kills while adding two service aces and finishing with 21.5 points.
Rosetta Cyr was efficient and composed at the net, posting 12 kills on a .417 hitting percentage, while
Keely Anderson contributed on both sides of the ball with nine kills, 12 digs, and two aces.
Setter
Tielle Hagel steered the offense with 38 assists, helping the Huskies hit .213 as a team. Defensively, Saskatchewan held UFV to just .144 on the attack, applying steady pressure throughout the match.
The Huskies also received contributions across the lineup, including four kills and three total blocks from
Jessica Bergstrom, along with steady backcourt play from seniors
Haley Poier and
Mary Rioflorido as the regular-season home schedule nears its close.
UFV was led by Lauren Attieh with 13 kills, while Mandi Feist and Talia Attieh added 10 and nine kills respectively.
The Huskies and Cascades will meet again Saturday (Jan. 31) afternoon at 3pm at the PAC to wrap up the weekend series, with senior night recognitions scheduled prior to first serve and postseason positioning still very much on the line.