Box Score
CALGARY, ALTA - Making program history, the Mount Royal Cougars have been awarded their first U SPORTS championship medal in women's volleyball after earning silver at the Jack Simpson Gym on Sunday night. Since entering Canada West in 2012-13, the Cougars had not yet placed in a U SPORTS championship, until this year.
"We are so proud of ourselves today, we made program history," Quinn Pelland, Cougars team captain said. "Trinity is a fantastic opponent on the other side and it was great volleyball."
Although the Trinity Western Spartans defeated the Cougars 3-1 (25-14, 14-25, 25-19, 25-20) to win gold, the Cougars' put up a valiant effort during the game. Powered by the support from a large contingent of Mount Royal fans, the Cougars energy and enthusiasm never wavered.
"We're so fortunate to have such a great community that came out to support us," Pelland said. "We love them so much and they just make the game so much better."
After the first two sets were somewhat lopsided for either side, the third and fourth sets were much tighter throughout. The Spartans managed to be a touch cleaner on their attacks, as their 0.228 hitting percentage for the match topped the Cougars' 0.147.
The Cougars were led offensively by Haley Roe who had a game-high 15 kills while Nyadholi Thokbuom stood tall for the team with a total of seven blocks.
"We can go home really proud of how we played and how we banned together through this tournament," Pelland said.
Prior to the medal presentation for each team, the Championship All-Star Team was announced. For their stellar performances this weekend, Roe and Pelland were both named to the team.
Mikasa Top Performers Presented by Team Nike
Mount Royal Cougars: #12 Hayley Roe
Trinity Western Spartans: #12 Avery Heppell
CHAMPIONSHIP AWARDS
Championship MVP: Avery Heppell, Trinity Western
Championship All-Star Team
Victoria Iannotti, McGill
Kory White, Alberta
Haley Roe, Mount Royal
Quinn Pelland, Mount Royal
Savannah Purdy, Mount Royal
Ansah Odoom, Trinity Western
R.W. Pugh Fair Play Award:
Kenzie Vaandering, Calgary
