MVB: Cougars sweep weekend series with 3-1 win over Wolfpack

MVB – The Mount Royal Cougars returned to Kenyon Court on Saturday evening to face the Thompson Rivers Wolfpack after opening the season with a four-set victory on Friday night.

Mount Royal carried that momentum into the opening set, demonstrating a strong presence at the net. Dylan Annala, Calum Stewart and Michael McAlpine combined for eight kills to lead the Cougars offensively, while Mostafa Tayea paced the Wolfpack. Thompson Rivers attempted to rally late, but Mount Royal maintained its offensive rhythm to close out a 25-16 win and take a 1-0 match lead.

Thompson Rivers responded in the second set, with Alex Howard helping the Wolfpack jump out to an early 9-4 lead. Elliott Rourke and Tayea continued to drive the offence, keeping Mount Royal on the back foot. The Cougars worked to close the gap, but TRU held off the comeback attempt to take the set 25-20 and even the match at 1-1.

The Cougars looked rejuvenated to open the third set, with Calum Stewart, Michael McAlpine and Kale Orr making key contributions offensively. Isaac Karstad added to the momentum with a kill to extend MRU’s lead to 12-9, forcing a Wolfpack timeout.

Mount Royal continued to build its advantage, stretching the lead to as many as eight points. Thompson Rivers attempted to close the gap late, but setter Devon Sales-Parno provided an important spark off the bench to help the Cougars maintain control. Mount Royal closed out the set 25-18 to take a 2-1 lead in the match.

Mount Royal carried its strong play into the fourth set, with Dylan Annala and Kale Orr helping the Cougars establish an early lead. MRU continued to apply pressure at the net, extending its advantage to 15-9 and forcing another Wolfpack timeout. Alex Howard, Daniel Hitchens and Mostafa Tayea tried to keep the Wolfpack in contention, but the Cougars maintained control down the stretch to take the set 25-20 and secure a 3-1 victory, completing a two-match sweep after also winning Friday’s season opener in four sets.

The Cougars will travel to face the Winnipeg Wesmen next Saturday, while the Wolfpack will head to Edmonton to take on the Alberta Golden Bears on Friday.

Player of the Game: #16 Micheal McAlpine who finished with nine kills and 12 points to help the Cougars secure the win over the Wolfpack.