The 4–13 Mount Royal Cougars hosted the 7–10 University of Calgary Dinos on Saturday night at Kenyon Court, celebrating Senior Night and honoring their graduating players. Coming off earlier victories in the week, the Cougars aimed to carry momentum forward, while the Dinos looked to climb the Canada West standings and stay competitive in the playoff race. Fans filled the stands to cheer on the seniors and witness what promised to be a hard-fought matchup.
Graduating senior
Mya Morgan got the Cougars off to a strong start in the first set, recording three early kills to give MRU a 10–8 lead. Calgary responded, with Kalyssa Kamori helping the Dinos take a 15–13 advantage.
Sydney Scatcherd and
Bronwynn Davies-Neira pushed Mount Royal back ahead as both teams battled for momentum, trading points in a tense stretch of rallies. In the closing points, Sophia Hansen and Leni Blanke delivered key plays to pull Calgary ahead, and the Dinos narrowly claimed the opening set 25–23.
The second set saw the Cougars start strong again, but the Dinos stayed within striking distance, keeping every point contested.
Aurora Bentrim helped Mount Royal push out to a 12–8 lead, and Morgan continued to pace the team with smart swings and consistent net play. Calgary brought in Ashley Ditchfield off the bench to spark a comeback, but MRU's senior leadership and steady execution proved too much. Davies-Neira anchored the net defense and Mount Royal closed out the set 25–20, tying the match 1–1 and setting up a pivotal third frame.
Calgary surged in the third set, with Anya Fehr making her presence felt to help the Dinos build a 12–6 lead. The Cougars refused to back down, as Morgan and Davies-Neira delivered key swings at the net to cut the deficit to 12–10. Calgary responded with solid team play, extending their lead to as many as nine points. The Dinos maintained control down the stretch, taking the set 25–15 and reclaiming the match lead.
Needing the fourth set to stay alive, Mount Royal came out swinging, building an early 8–5 lead behind dominant net play from Morgan, Davies-Neira, and Bentrim, forcing a Dinos timeout. Calgary inched closer, cutting the deficit to one behind Blanke's strong net presence. Despite Scatcherd's efforts to keep the Cougars in front, Calgary executed a full-team push in the final moments, ultimately taking the set 25–23 to win the match 3–1.
Player of the game: #10
Sydney Scatcherd who led the Cougars with 16 kills and added 13 digs, showcasing her impact on both ends of the court.