This past weekend, Calgary hosted TWU’s men’s and women’s volleyball.
Women’s volleyball was able to stop their three-game losing streak, sweeping No. 9 Calgary. The girls, who were ranked No. 6 nationally heading into the weekend, were reeling from having lost their previous three matches all in five sets.
The girls were buoyed by the strong play of Kara Jansen Van Doorn, as she tore her way through the Dino defense on her way to 35 kills over the two matches.
In addition to demonstrating that they were worthy of their ranking, the Spartan women showed their resiliency, coming back in both matches. On Friday, the girls faced a 2-1 hole before overtaking Calgary for the five-set win. Saturday they dropped the first set as well before they found their rhythm, and defeated Calgary three consecutive sets for the 3-1 win.
“The girls played outstanding [Saturday],” said head coach Ryan Hofer following the Spartans win. “After the first set we were in control. It was a solid team effort, the girls played very well and it was fun to watch.”
The pair of wins brings TWU’s record to 5-5, good for middle of the pack in the Canada West with ten matches remaining until playoffs.
Men’s volleyball split their set of matches against the Dino men, who held the No. 1 ranking nationally. The boys, ranked No. 7, dropped their first match Friday 3-1, and then dropped the first set Saturday before storming back for a 3-1 victory to earn a split.
Steve Marshall played well in the victory, recording 21 kills, with Marc Howatson and Rudy Veerhoeff, a Calgary native, chipping it with 15 and 10 kills, respectively.
At Christmas break, the boys sit tied for first with Calgary in CW at 6-2.
The Spartan men and women return to the hardwood Jan. 8 and 9 when they host Alberta at the LEC.
