As the Canada West postseason arrives, the MRU Cougars Men's Volleyball team enters the playoffs following a season that was shaped by resiliency and timely growth. That journey now leads to a charged matchup against arguably their biggest rival, the U of C Dinos — a clash that brings added intensity and no shortage of recent history.
The last meeting between the two programs tilted decisively in MRU's favour, as the Cougars made quick work of the Dinos winning both matches in straight sets. Those victories not only punched MRU's ticket to the postseason, but also marked a turning point late in the regular season. The wins over the Dinos extended a critical win streak to 3 games after the Cougars slumped for seven straight from late November to the end of January.
First- year outside hitter Kale Orr was not only an impact player for the Cougars throughout the entire season, but was also at the centre of that significant surge against the Dinos. Orr posted 12 and 13 kills in respectively in the last time the Cougars played against Calgary. Orr enters the playoffs in peak form, recording double-digit kills in six straight matches and in 11 of his last 12 outings.
Despite the last meeting telling a story of MRU's dominance, the rivalry remains razor-thin when viewed over a broader sample size. The Cougars hold a slight 16-14 edge in the all-time Canada West Conference head to head, while the last 10 meetings have been split evenly with both teams walking away with 5 wins apiece. These figures underscore the raised stakes and the competitive nature of what should be an intense and drama filled series.
Another important variable to take into account has been the Cougars performance on home court. The Cougars posted a 7-3 record at Kenyon Court, a venue that has historically favoured them in this rivalry as well. The Cougars own an 11-7 home record all-time against the Dinos, a statistic made even more notable by Calgary's struggles away from home this season, where they finished with a dismal 1-11 record on the road.
As the Cougars prepare for postseason play in Canada West, their path is clear despite their perception as a conference wide underdog. Success will depend on maintaining serve pressure, limiting unforced errors, and leaning on the poise developed through a season filled with close matches and road adversity.
Battle-tested from the rigors of the regular season, and buoyed by strong recent form, the Cougars enter the postseason not aiming to compete, but expecting to contend as the playoff bracket unfolds.
Play-in Series Schedule:
Game 1: Thursday Feb. 19 at 7:00pm
Game 2: Friday Feb. 20 at 7:00pm
Game 3 (If needed): Saturday Feb. 21 at 7:00pm
Tickets to the games can be purchased at mrucougars.com/tickets.
