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MVB: TWU (3) at MRU (2)

Tonight was a battle between the nationally ranked, with number five MRU losing a nail-biting five-set game to the number two Trinity Western University Spartens.

Chris Byam led the way for Mount Royal, throwing down 15 kills, 10 digs, five service aces and putting up two huge blocks. His leadership on the court was what sealed two sets for the team tonight. 

Both TWU and MRU fought tooth and nail through every set, with the final stat line sitting 25-21, 19-25, 25-17, 22-25 and 15-11 in favour of the Spartens. 

By the second set Mount Royal had started to connect on court and find their flow. Both Jacob Van Geel , Byam and Max Haronga had all put up eight kills, and seven digs between the three of them. They finished the game, combined for 36 kills.

At the head of Trinity was Brodie Hofer, finishing tonight with an impressive 19 kills and eight digs.

John Obi made a miracle save for TWU nearing the end of the fourth, diving into Cougar spectators and it was enough to send the ball back over the net, but not enough to prevent a point for MRU. Samson Olson was prepared to place the perfect set in reach of Luis Lange, just in time for him to smack it down into Trinity's end. 

It ended up being a hit error by TWU that would seal a second set win for MRU, 25-22, and kept them alive going into the final set.

The Spartans kicked it into high gear for the fifth set, forcing everything down into Cougar territory with a new energy that hadn't been displayed all game. 

Trinity Western finished the game following an unbelievable series of saves by the MRU men, but the Spartens threw down one last kill. 

Mount Royal put up an incredible fight but the seven time Canada West men's volleyball champions, and six time national champions, were able to narrowly sneak by with the win. 

The squad will be back in Kenyon tomorrow with the Cougars looking for redemption and knowing they have the ability to get it. 

Come out and watch the game live at MRU, or on Canada West TV. 

Go Cougars.


Player of the game: Chris Byam


MHKY: SSK (1) at MRU (3)
 
The MRU Cougars men's hockey defeated an illness depleted University of Saskatchewan Huskies team, 3-1 on Friday night.
 
Both squads started the game with a relatively tame pace with neither side showing an advantage.
 
Halfway through the opening frame, Michael Ladyman caught an edge right in front of the Cougars' net. Huskies forward, Jaxan Kaluski picked up the puck all alone and ripped it past Riley Sims. A rare mishap from Ladyman, who has been stellar in his rookie season.
 
In the second period, MRU grabbed hold of the game.
 
Kyle Walker was fed a pass from Josh Tarzwell as he entered the rush. With an abundance of time and space, Walker fired a wrister past Huskies netminder, Roddy Ross to tie the game.
 
Saskatchewan managed a few chances of their own on a powerplay. Riley Sims, who left the Cougars' last game in their first period, stoned the Huskies on their chances and also got some help from his goal posts.
 
Just as the Huskies penalty expired, Blake Stevenson dropped a pass for Robbie Holmes. The former Regina Pat sniped it past the blocker of Ross to give MRU the lead.
 
In the third, the Cougars extended their lead. Riley Sawchuk shovelled the puck forward to Connor Bouchard and he was hauled down on the breakaway and the referee signalled for a penalty shot. On the attempt Bouchard moved in on Ross slowly, deked in tight and roofed it with his forehand to give Mount Royal a 3-1 lead.
 
Despite late pressure from Saskatchewan with their net empty, the Cougars secured the win.
 
The Huskies and Cougars will face-off again Saturday night at 6 p.m. at Flames Community Arena. Get tickets here or watch live on Canada West TV.
 
Player of the game: Riley Sims


WVB: TWU (3) at MRU (1)

The Mount Royal Cougars re-lived their national championship game Friday night, meeting the Trinity Western Spartans for a four set match-up. 

MRU lost 1-3 tonight, 22-25, 25-21, 12-25, 13-25, against the reigning Canada West and National women's volleyball champions.

Nyadholi Thokbuom and Haley Roe were powerhouses on MRU offence, with Quinn Pelland in command. 

Thokbuom finished with 14 kills, Roe with 10 and four digs, while Pelland had 36 assists, 11 digs and four blocks. 

Mya Morgan also turned Cougar heads tonight. The young middle is playing in her first real USPORT season this year, and hit 67 per cent tonight, making seven kills. She was consistently in the right position to back both her setter and hitters, while staying strong in every area of the court. 

"All week we had been training really hard for this, and we knew it would be really good competition,' said Morgan. "I was really excited to come in and play some good volleyball."

Her confidence helped her earn tonight's player of the game title. 

For the Spartans, Ansah Odoom and Savannah Purdy were sure to challenge the Cougars. Odoom threw 16 kills into MRUs side and made seven digs to support their defensive effort. Purdy had 11 kills with 16 attack receptions, eight digs and three blocks. The two were unstoppable and brought the pressure for quick third and fourth set wins for TWU. 

Trinity is back in Kenyon Court for a rematch against Mount Royal. Game set to start at 5 p.m. 

Catch the game live or on Canada West TV.

Go Cougars. 


Player of the Game: Mya Morgan