The 8–9 Mount Royal Cougars welcomed the 6–11 University of Calgary Dinos to Kenyon Court on Saturday evening for Senior Night, celebrating the careers of graduating middle
Maxim Turgeon and libero
Matthew Clements. After securing a Canada West playoff berth on Friday, the Cougars looked to carry their momentum forward, while the Dinos entered the match needing a result to keep their postseason hopes alive in the Crowchild Classic rivalry.
Mount Royal picked up right where they left off, jumping out to an early 10–5 lead in the opening set behind strong play from
Isaac Karstad at the net.
Kale Orr helped extend the advantage to eight points at 17–9 with a series of powerful swings, before a kill from Dinos outside hitter Sam Kay cut the deficit to six at 21–15. Calgary pushed late in the frame, but the Cougars stayed composed, and a decisive kill from
Kai Toney closed out the set 25–18 in favour of Mount Royal.
The second set was much tighter, with both teams trading points early and tied at 10–10. Will Kay gave the Dinos a slight edge with a timely kill, but Karstad responded for the Cougars to keep the score knotted at 15–15. The set remained neck-and-neck until
Michael McAlpine sparked a late MRU surge, helping the Cougars pull ahead by three. Mount Royal maintained control down the stretch with steady defence and efficient side-out play, closing out the set 25–20 to take a commanding two-set lead.
Mount Royal carried that momentum into the third set, building a steady advantage as the frame progressed. A kill from
Kale Orr helped extend the Cougars' lead to six at 17–11, forcing the Dinos to burn a timeout as MRU continued to apply pressure at the net. Jackson Vandersteen answered with two massive kills to cut the deficit to four, but the Cougars responded quickly, as a
Kai Toney kill restored the six-point cushion at 19–13.
The Cougars continued to roll from there, stringing together key points on both sides of the ball to close out the match in a stylish fashion. Mount Royal finished the set on a strong run, taking it 25–15 and completing a straight-sets sweep on Senior Night in front of the home crowd.
Player(s) of the Game: #17
Maxim Turgeon and #1
Matthew Clements were instrumental for the Cougars, showing leadership and consistency on both ends of the court throughout Senior Night.