UBC Completes Weekend Sweep of Huskies in Saskatoon

SASKATOON, Sask. — The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s volleyball team battled through stretches of strong play Saturday afternoon (Oct. 31) but ultimately fell 3-0 (25-15, 25-17, 25-16) to the visiting UBC Thunderbirds at the PAC. The loss drops Saskatchewan to 1-3 on the Canada West season, while UBC remains unbeaten at 4-0.

The Huskies were paced offensively by Rosetta Cyr and Jessica Bergstrom, who recorded eight and seven kills respectively. Mackenzie Lyburn added seven kills, while Bergstrom anchored Saskatchewan’s defensive effort at the net with six total blocks.

Saskatchewan came out strong in the opening set, using early blocks from Bergstrom to build a 5-2 lead. The Huskies remained tied at 12-12 midway through the frame before UBC seized momentum behind the serving of Ella Ungemach. The Thunderbirds closed the set on a 13-3 run, taking a 25-15 victory and a 1-0 lead in the match.

The second set proved to be Saskatchewan’s most competitive. After trailing by four points early, the Huskies rallied behind the attacks of Cyr and Lyburn to claim a 9-7 advantage. Saskatchewan continued to trade points with the conference-leading Thunderbirds and pulled even at 17-17 late in the set. UBC responded with eight consecutive points to close out the frame, capitalizing on strong play from Ungemach and Aimee Skinner to earn a 25-17 win.

Facing a two-set deficit, the Huskies showed resilience in the third. UBC built an early 9-3 lead, but Saskatchewan answered with a six-point run to pull even at 9-9. Kills from Cyr, Lyburn, and Tahlia Cook, along with a key block from Cook and Cyr, helped the Huskies tie the set again at 11-11.

The Thunderbirds regained control through the middle portion of the frame and used their depth to steadily pull away. Saskatchewan stayed within striking distance before UBC closed the match with a 25-16 set victory to complete the sweep.

UBC was led by Ungemach’s match-high 11 kills, while Skinner contributed eight kills and four blocks. The Thunderbirds also held advantages in service aces (6-0) and hitting percentage (.159 to .009).

Saskatchewan will look to regroup as they head into their first bye of the season.