SASKATOON, Sask. - The University of Saskatchewan Huskies came up just short Friday (Jan. 31) afternoon, dropping a hard fought five set decision to the UFV Cascades in Canada West women's volleyball action at the Physical Activity Complex.
Saskatchewan opened the match with confidence, taking the first set 25–21 behind an aggressive offensive start and steady pressure from the service line. UFV answered in the second, edging the Huskies 25–23, before Saskatchewan regained momentum with a strong 25–19 win in the third set.
The Cascades forced a decisive fifth set by claiming the fourth 25–21. UFV then completed the comeback in a tightly contested final frame, pulling out a 19–17 victory to secure the five set win.
Offensively, the Huskies were led by
Taryn Hannah, who recorded a match high 26 kills and finished with 31 points.
Jessica Bergstrom added eight kills while hitting an efficient .429 and contributed six total blocks at the net.
Rosetta Cyr chipped in six kills and a team high 17 digs, while
Tielle Hagel directed the offense with 38 assists and added five kills of her own.
Defensively, Saskatchewan totaled 69 digs as a team, with Cyr and Hannah anchoring the backcourt effort throughout the match.
For the Cascades, Lauren Attieh led the way with 17 kills, while Naomi Unger made her presence felt at the net with nine kills and seven blocks. Talia Attieh contributed eight kills, four service aces, and strong two-way play as UFV capitalized in the decisive moments.
Saskatchewan finished the match with 57 kills and eight solo blocks, pushing UFV throughout all five sets but ultimately coming up just short in the final frame.
The result carries important implications in the Canada West playoff race, as both teams continue to battle for positioning in the middle of the conference standings. With the loss, the Huskies will look to secure valuable in their final two games of the regular season as they aim to avoid the play in round and earn a higher seed heading into postseason play.
The Huskies will look to regroup as they return to action on the road, traveling to Regina on Feb. 12 to take on the Regina Cougars.
