MVB: Cougars bounce back with 3–0 victory against Heat

#4 Grant Hill and #8 Cody Hudson celebrating a huge point.

The 6–9 Mount Royal Cougars returned to Kenyon Court on Saturday night to face the 15–2 UBCO Heat, looking to rebound after a narrow five-set loss the night before. With little turnaround time between matches, the Cougars entered the rematch with urgency, while the Heat aimed to maintain their momentum as they continued their push toward the playoffs.

The opening set showcased strong offensive play from both sides, with neither team able to gain early separation. UBCO briefly grabbed control when Thys Weststrate delivered a powerful kill to give the visitors a three-point edge. Mount Royal responded quickly, however, as outside hitter Kai Toney answered with a timely swing to cut the deficit to 9–7. The Heat continued to apply pressure, with Seba Manuel helping extend the lead to 13–9 and forcing an early Cougars timeout.

Mount Royal settled in following the break and began to chip away at the lead behind the steady attack of outside hitter Michael McAlpine. The Cougars pulled within two before closing the gap to one at 21–20 on Toney's third kill of the set. Kale Orr provided a crucial response late, tying the frame at 23, and the Cougars' block proved decisive. Middle Isaac Karstad and Toney combined for back-to-back clutch blocks, sealing a dramatic 27–25 opening-set win and swinging momentum firmly in MRU's favour.

The second set opened with UBCO finding early success once again, as Weststrate and Manuel helped the Heat build a 9–7 advantage. Mount Royal responded with its most complete stretch of play, fueled by Karstad's tenacious defence at the net. The Cougars flipped the script with a strong run, taking a 12–9 lead and forcing UBCO to chase the set. Although the Heat tied things up at 16 behind key kills from Xander van Driel, Orr led the Cougars down the stretch, helping MRU close out the set 25–22 and take a commanding two-set lead.

Looking to avoid a straight-set sweep, UBCO came out with urgency in the third, building an early 11–9 advantage behind Manuel and Zach van Geel. Mount Royal answered once again, as McAlpine and Karstad sparked another run to regain control. MRU moved ahead 14–13, forcing a Heat timeout, before Grant Hill helped extend the lead. From there, the Cougars pulled away decisively, closing out the set 25–14 to complete an impressive straight-sets sweep over the Heat at home.

Player of the Game: #2 Kale Orr, who powered the Cougars to a statement win, recording a game-high 17 kills on the night.

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Players Mentioned

#3 Isaac Karstad: 6' 8"; Third Year

#4 Grant Hill: 6' 5"; Second Year

#2 Kale Orr: 6' 5"; First Year

#14 Kai Toney: 6' 3"; First Year

#16 Michael McAlpine: 6' 7"; Fourth Year

Players Mentioned

#3 Isaac Karstad
: 6' 8"; Third Year

#4 Grant Hill
: 6' 5"; Second Year

#2 Kale Orr
: 6' 5"; First Year

#14 Kai Toney
: 6' 3"; First Year

#16 Michael McAlpine
: 6' 7"; Fourth Year