The 6–6 Mount Royal Cougars welcomed the 6–6 Winnipeg Wesmen to Kenyon Court on Friday night for men's volleyball action, with both teams looking to gain separation in the tightly contested Canada West standings.
The opening set was tightly contested, with both sides trading points early as they searched for momentum.
Outside hitter Ryan John provided an offensive spark for the Cougars, but Winnipeg began to find its rhythm midway through the frame. The Wesmen's strong attack allowed them to build a 12–8 advantage at the halfway point of the set.
Middle hitter Liam Allen continued to apply pressure at the net, helping Winnipeg extend the lead to eight at 19–11.
Cougars outside hitter Kale Orr looked to spark a late push, recording a pair of big kills to cut into the deficit. Winnipeg, however, maintained control down the stretch, leading 22–18 before closing out the opening set 25–21.
The second set was more of the same, with both teams trading points to a 7-7 tie. Isaac Karstad kept MRU in the fight, but Jaxon Rose responded with clutch points for Winnipeg. The Wesmen pulled ahead 13-9, forcing MRU to call a much-needed timeout.
Cougars outside hitter Kai Toney came in to spark MRU's offense, but Winnipeg held strong late, eventually taking the set 25-17, with Luke Lodewyks helping seal the win.
Facing a two-set deficit, MRU needed a strong start in the third set to stay alive. Both teams battled early, with Cody Hudson sparking the Cougars' offense and notching two early kills. MRU surged ahead, leading 10-8 and forcing the Wesmen to call a timeout.
The Wesmen mounted a comeback, taking a 15-13 lead at the halfway point of the third set. MRU's Kale Orr answered with a huge kill to tie it at 15, but the Wesmen quickly regained the lead at 18-16.
The Wesmen continued their late-set dominance, stretching their advantage, while a late push from the Cougars gave MRU some hope. Winnipeg eventually closed out the set 25–20, completing the sweep.
Player of the Game: Isaac Karstad who finished with seven kills and three blocks on the night for the Cougars.
