MVB: Dinos punch ticket to quarterfinals with victory over Cougars

The Cougars, huddled up after capitalizing on a huge point

The University of Calgary Dinos men's volleyball team rose to the occasion Saturday night, defeating the Mount Royal Cougars in five sets to punch their ticket to the Canada West quarterfinals.

Mount Royal came out strong in the opening set, using an early surge led by Cody Hudson, Kale Orr, and Michael McAlpine to establish momentum. McAlpine and Orr combined for the majority of the Cougars' early offense, helping MRU build a lead. Calgary responded behind Cole and Ethan Czepuryk, gradually closing the gap and evening the score late. Despite a late push from Erik Godwin, the Cougars held on in a tight finish to claim the opening set 25–23.

Calgary answered in the second with a strong presence at the net, an emphasis that was evident throughout the match. Luke Nodwell played a key role early, helping the Dinos build a lead, while Calgary's blocking limited Mount Royal's attack. Orr sparked a Cougars push midway through the set, but the Dinos maintained control, and a late kill from Will Kay sealed a 25–21 win to even the match.

The third set followed a similar pattern, with Calgary jumping out quickly behind Godwin's offense. Mount Royal responded through Ryan John, while strong net play from Maxim Turgeon, Devon Sales-Parno, and Orr helped shift momentum. John delivered key points late as the Cougars completed another comeback, taking the set 25–21 to move ahead 2–1.

With their season on the line, the Dinos responded in the fourth. Both teams traded points early before Calgary reestablished control, with Godwin leading the offensive charge. Mount Royal battled back to tie the set midway through, but Calgary surged late and closed out the set 25–22 to force a deciding fifth.

Godwin remained the driving force in the final set, as Calgary's blocking and defensive pressure helped build an early advantage. Mount Royal stayed within reach behind Michael McAlpine's efforts at the net, but the Dinos held their composure and closed out the match with a 15–13 win.

Godwin led Calgary with 21 kills, while Kay added 17 kills and a team-high 14 digs. Orr led Mount Royal with 26 kills in the loss.

The performance reflected head coach Graham Vigrass and his message earlier in the series about "staying present and focusing on the moment", as Calgary remained composed in key situations. With the win, the Dinos advance to face the Thunderbirds in the quarterfinals next weekend.

Player of the Game: Kale Orr, posting a game-high 26 kills on the night, leading the charge for the Cougars.

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Players Mentioned

#6 Devon Sales-Parno: 6' 2"; First Year

#8 Cody Hudson: 6' 10"; Second Year

#12 Ryan John: 6' 6"; Second Year

#17 Maxim Turgeon: 6' 6"; Third Year

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

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

Players Mentioned

#6 Devon Sales-Parno
: 6' 2"; First Year

#8 Cody Hudson
: 6' 10"; Second Year

#12 Ryan John
: 6' 6"; Second Year

#17 Maxim Turgeon
: 6' 6"; Third Year

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

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